HARLINGEN — It’s Super Bowl Sunday!
In years past, that meant it was time to hit the sports bars for drink specials and good food, getting together at friends’ houses to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow sports aficionados, enjoying good times.
But this year, things have changed.
As people prepare to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, health professionals are urging people to avoid the traditional gatherings so typical of the annual event.
“At the level of spread we’re seeing in our community right now, I cannot in good conscience encourage people to have gatherings with individuals out of their normal circle of interaction,” said Dr. Christopher Romero, medical director of PanAmerican Clinical Research.
“The risk of transmission spread is extremely high right now,” Romero said. “The number of active cases in our county is substantial and the number of people requiring hospitalization and medical care is substantial.”
Dr. Jose Campo-Maldonado, infectious disease specialist at Valley Baptist Medical Center, presented two different scenarios for Super Bowl Sunday.
“The worst case scenario is a family decides to go to a crowded party where no one is wearing a mask or washing their hands,” he said.
“That will be the worst case scenario because that’s where you will be in contact with a lot of people where you cannot keep your distance.”
And the best case scenario?
“You can still celebrate it safely staying at home with the people you live with and watching it on TV,” said Campo-Maldonado, who is also an assistant professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine.
“If you decide to go out and be outside of your home to celebrate, there are some precautions that you would probably need to take,” he said.
“One of them is, are they organizing so the risk of transmission is lower? Are they allowing enough space? Is it indoors or outdoors?
“It’s better if it’s outdoors. Are people wearing masks? Are you able to keep your distance?”
