In case you haven’t heard, the Kansas City Chiefs will be taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend in one of the most popular public viewing events of the year: The Super Bowl. Super Bowl LV (55) is sure to be an exciting one for many in Kansas who support the regional home team. You might even be planning the ultimate Super Bowl party to watch every second of the game or relish in the commercials.
But, with COVID-19 still spreading across the country and new strains spreading in the U.S., NMC Health is urging everyone to think about taking safety precautions before they gather with a bunch of people. Here’s a good game plan to help you have a safe and healthy Super Bowl party:
Choose your snacks wisely (single-serve snacks)
Hygiene!
Invite fewer people
Everyone wear a mask
Feeling sick? Stay home!
Socially distance (especially while eating or snacking)
Choose your snacks wisely
We’ve had a year of unprecedented holiday celebrations thanks to COVID-19. It’s important to note that even though the vaccine has been given to some people, we’re all not out of the woods yet.
When we come together to eat food, have a plan about what snacks are served up. Instead of a buffet-style setting, try to limit your snacking to single serve items.
If you’re preparing food, wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything and wear a mask while you prepare it. This can limit the spread of COVID-19. Use disposable plates, cups, napkins and utensils so they can be thrown away after use.
Hygiene!
Yes, we’re talking about the basics of handwashing here. When you’re around people who don’t live with you, it’s good practice to wash your hands more often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces like toilets, door handles and faucets. Make a habit of washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol or higher between washes.
If you have to sneeze or cough, make sure your face is covered with a tissue or the crease of your elbow. If you’re wearing a mask and that mask becomes wet, remove it. Wash your hands and put on a clean mask.
For those hosting a party, be on the offensive by wiping down frequently touched surfaces in your home with disinfecting wipes and making hand sanitizer that has 60% alcohol or higher available for your guests.
Invite fewer people
It might be hard this year because the Kansas City Chiefs are playing and Kansas is part of Chiefs Kingdom, but the fewer people you invite to your Super Bowl party, the fewer chances you have at coming into contact with COVID-19. In Harvey County, groups of people are limited to 10, unless those people are at a facility where social distancing (six feet or more) is available.
If you keep your Super Bowl party smaller this year, you’ll make it safer for everyone around you. We know you want to celebrate with your friends and fellow football fans, but limiting yourself this year may mean you can have a bigger, better party next year.
Everyone wear a mask
Everyone should wear a mask, especially if you have anyone at your Super Bowl LV party that doesn’t live with you, they (and you) should be wearing a mask. For added protection, wear two masks. To make it fun, wear a mask supporting the team you’re cheering for this Super Bowl season.
As a host, it might be a good idea to have a stock of extra clean masks. Accidents happen. Someone might need a new, clean mask if theirs becomes soiled during the party. That’s a great way to become this year’s MVP!
Feeling sick? Stay home!
The Super Bowl is the biggest football game of the year. It’s not a game fans may want to miss. However, if you’re not feeling well, you need to make a point to stay home. Whether you have a persistent headache, congestion or other symptoms, you need to make sure you’re not spreading whatever you might be sick with, COVID-19 or not. You don’t want to be the person who shows up sick and spreads COVID-19. That’s a major party foul.
Socially distance (especially while eating or snacking)
While eating or snacking, try to socially distance from others in the room. Whenever your mask is removed, it’s important to maintain at least six feet of distance between you and others. This will lower the risk of spreading COVID-19 if you have it and aren’t showing symptoms.
When hosting a Super Bowl LV party, try to separate your seating area to make it easier to socially distance. Keep your masks on when you’re not eating and spread out as much as possible.
Remember: CHIEFS!
In order to keep yourself and your guests safe while planning a Super Bowl party, just remember the acronym: CHIEFS!
Choose your snacks wisely and make sure your items are single-use only.
Hygiene! Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer.
Invite fewer people to limit your exposure risk to COVID-19.
Everyone should wear a mask.
Feeling bad? Don’t go! Stay home and watch the game from your own couch.
Socially distance especially while eating or drinking (and when not wearing a mask).
When we all work together as a team, we can take on our biggest opponent yet: COVID-19.
Let’s tackle this pandemic together!
