LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Whether you’re watching for the game, the halftime show, or the commercials, many people will be glued to the TV Sunday for Super Bowl LV. But watch parties will have to look a little different this year.
“We don't want the Super Bowl to be a super-spreader event,” said Kevin Hall with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.
Just like over the holidays, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials are asking people to stay safe while enjoying an event that typically brings people together.
If you're used to hosting a watch party at home, Hall urges people to keep the guest list to a minimum and stick with people in your household.
“This is going to be a chance to rely on technology,” said Hall. “Facetime with people, Zoom with people, or just wait until after the game or at halftime to talk about all the great commercials you saw.”
If you're itching to get out of the house, some restaurants and bars, like Tin Roof in Lexington, are offering their own watch parties.
“We want this to be a fun and safe option,” said Tin Roof Assistant General Manager Matthew Burunoff.
Burunoff says in addition to the cleaning protocols already in place, the restaurant is keeping the crowd smaller for the big game.
“Everything is very socially distanced,” he said. “We have reservations for both inside and our outdoor heated patio. Both patio and our big parking lot tent.”
The restaurant is still accepting reservations online for outdoor seating during the game.
While you’re out, Hall wants to make sure people don’t get too distracted from proper mask-wearing.
“One of the problems with something like a Super Bowl gathering is you graze throughout the day,” he said. “You’re eating nachos or wings or you’re having a beverage throughout. So, you want to try to do that in limited doses so you can keep your mask on as much as possible.”
While you’re rooting for your team, the CDC says to avoid chanting or cheering to keep droplets out of the air. However, you can still celebrate a win with stomping and clapping.
