Safe Super Bowl – YES! Superspreader – NO!

The CDC felt they should add a special section to their “Small Gatherings” as the Super Bowl approaches for this weekend so you could learn more about how to reduce your risk of spreading and being exposed to COVID-19 – Here you go!

Then check out some other fun suggestions (other than football – we’ll talk about the teams tomorrow – catch the story by our sportswriter, John Cardullo, Sunday)

Safer Ways to Enjoy the Super Bowl

Gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.

Host a virtual Super Bowl watch party.

• Wear clothing or decorate your home with your favorite team’s logo or colors.
• Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game and share the recipes with your friends and family.
• Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching.
• Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart. – Use a projector screen to broadcast the game.
• Sit at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.

Steps Everyone Can Take to Make Small Gatherings Safer

Wear a mask

• Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19 to protect yourself and others.
• Wear your mask over your nose and mouth, secure it under your chin, and make sure it fits snugly against the sides of your face.
• Masks should be worn indoors and outdoors except when eating or drinking.
• In cold weather, wear your mask under your scarf, ski mask, or balaclava.
• Keep a spare mask in case your mask becomes wet from moisture in your breath or from snow or rain.
• You are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others.
• Remember that people without symptoms or with a recent negative test result can still spread COVID-19 to others.
• Guests should avoid direct contact, including handshakes and hugs, with others not from their household.

Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces

• Avoid crowds and indoors spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors. If indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible.
• For additional information on increasing ventilation, visit CDC’s information on Improving Ventilation in Your Home.

Wash your hands

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing and before eating.
  • Make sure to dry your hands completely using a clean towel or by air drying.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.

Have a virtual gathering

• The safest way to gather is at home with the people you live with. Here are some ideas for safely connecting with friends and family.
• Schedule a time to eat a meal together virtually and have people show their main dish, vegetable, or dessert.
• Gather virtually for a game, trivia, or activity
• Host a virtual dance party with music.
• Plan a virtual movie party.

Safer Celebrations

Gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest choice.

If you do gather with people who don’t live with you, gatherings and activities held outdoors are safer than indoor gatherings.

Planning for Food and Drinks

There is no evidence that handling or eating food spreads COVID-19, but it is always important to follow food safety practices.

• Encourage guests to bring food and drinks for their household.
• Limit people going in and out of the food preparation areas.
• Have one person serve all the food.
• Use single-use options, like salad dressings, food containers, plates and utensils, and condiments.
• Limit crowding in areas where food is served.
• Offer no-touch trash cans for guests to easily throw away food items.
• Wash dishes in the dishwasher or with hot soapy water immediately following the gathering.

Steps to take if exposed to COVID-19 during a gathering

• If you are exposed to COVID-19 at a gathering, while traveling, or at any time, take steps to protect yourself and others.
• If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within 14 days of the gathering, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or if you test positive for COVID-19, immediately notify the host and others who attended.
• If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, a public health worker may contact you to check on your health and to identify and support contacts who may have been infected. Your information will be confidential. Learn more about what to expect with contact tracing pdf icon[1.7 MB, 2 pages].

Tip-over TVs & furniture have killed 450 children since 2000

Safety advocates are urging parents to protect their kids by anchoring TVs to the wall before the big game. That’s because every 43 minutes, on average, a child is treated in an emergency-room visit due to falling televisions or furniture. 

Between 2000 and 2019, 451 children under 17 were killed by furniture and TVs tipping over and crushing them, according to a recently released report by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

To protect children from a tip-over incident, CPSC urges parents and caregivers to follow simple safety steps: 

• Anchor TVs and furniture, such as bookcases and dressers, securely to the wall. Always place TVs on a sturdy, low base, and push the TV back as far as possible, particularly if anchoring isn’t possible.
• Avoid displaying or storing items, such as toys and remotes, in places where kids might be tempted to climb up to reach for them.
• Store heavier items on lower shelves or in lower drawers.
• If purchasing a new TV, consider recycling older ones not currently in use. If moving the older TV to another room, be sure it is anchored to the wall properly.
• Keep TV and cable cords out of reach of children.
• Even in rooms with TVs and furniture anchored, adult supervision is still recommended.

Fauci says…

Dr. Fauci compared the SuperBowl to other major events which have caused upticks and even become SuperSpreaders – such as July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. “Every time we do have something like this, there always is a spike,” he said, adding that “now is not the time” for mixed-household gatherings. – saying that the safest way to watch the event is at home with immediate family.

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association – drinking and driving The Association would like to remind all residents to be responsible during the Super Bowl by not drinking and driving and to always wear a seat belt when in a vehicle. The RIDOT says that 57 reported traffic fatalities in the state happened during 2019, 25 involved alcohol consumption, which is nearly 44 percent. As many people are expected to be consuming alcohol at gatherings during this year’s Super Bowloffer the following safety tips for the big game. We realize that not as many people will be attending large Super Bowl parties this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is still extremely important to remember that no matter who you are with or where you watch the game, it is never acceptable to consume alcohol and get behind the wheel,” said RIPCA Executive Director Sidney Wordell. “Refraining from drinking and driving could not only save your life, but the lives of others in your vehicle and the lives of everyone else on the road.” They also stress the importance of proper seat belt usage.

• Know the rules: It’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. There are no exceptions.
• Play it safe: Plan a safe ride home if drinking during the game. From buses and trains to ridesharing services and designated drivers, connect with the option that will get you home safely. 
• Be a party MVP: Volunteer to be a designated driver. Let others know that you’ll be there for them when the party is over with a safe, sober ride home.
• Speak up: There is no place on the road for anyone who has been drinking. If someone tries to drive after drinking, tell them to “ride the bench” until you help them find a sober ride home. If you’re hosting the party, take their keys before they drink and drive.

The Commercials!

There will be less of them – but those that are running will surely be entertaining.

https://youtu.be/v4FYL8twE6Q

Here’s a link to all of them!! https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/super-bowl-lv-ad-tracker-2021-commercials/

Anheuser-Busch InBev, the Belgian beer conglomerate, announced Monday it would not directly advertise its Budweiser brand during the Super Bowl for the first time in 37 years. Instead, the company has produced a digital 90-second video (without the Clydesdale draft horses) more akin to a public service announcement, celebrating American resilience in the face of the pandemic and ending with scenes of people getting vaccinated.

The company said rather than purchasing ad time for Budweiser during the game, it will “reallocate that investment to support the Ad Council and public awareness and education throughout the year for the COVID-19 vaccination effort.”

Puppy Bowl XVII

Who’s ready for PUPPY BOWL XVII? Here’s this year’s Starting Line Up. You can watch these players take it to the field as Team RUFF take on Team FLUFF on Sunday, February 7 at 2p ET on discovery+ and Animal Planet.