Are pandemic-related supply chain issues still a problem? Some companies want you to think soEndangered smalltooth sawfish deaths more than double since mid-March
Dr. Marissa Levine with USF. Credit: WINK News. The stage is set: Two great quarterbacks will face off in the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay. People must decide how they will celebrate the game. It’s a decision we all had to make for the holidays to end 2020. As the pandemic continues, health experts hope Super Bowl traditions are enjoyed on a smaller scale. We spoke to people about how they plan to watch the upcoming Super Bowl Monday. We’re used to seeing packed sports bars, big parties and lots of shared snacks on Super Bowl Sunday, as people watch the biggest football game of the year. But with the pandemic, some people tell us their celebrations for the big game will be smaller in 2021. “We’re just staying at our house,” David Neff said. “I think the majority of people should stay at home so we can get past this.” “We’re not going to have a lot of people over or anything like that,” David Elliott said. “Probably just close family.” People such as Kelly Schott say her celebration will come with some COVID modifications. “If you have a pool set up with a television outside, that would be the perfect time to do that,” Kelly Schott said. “If we have family over, that’s what we will end up doing, spreading out a little bit rather than sitting on the sectional watching the game and eating out of the same bowls. ” Dave Sears, a Kansas City Chiefs fan, and Bruce Pojar, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, both say they’re not letting concerns for the spread of the coronavirus stop their respective celebrations. “We’re going to have some friends over and have our Super Bowl party like we always do,” Dave Sears said. “Usually get with a bunch of people and go out, eat, drink and stuff,” Pojar said. “This year probably a little bit more. We might go up to Tampa Bay and celebrate.” Doctors say beating COVID-19 is a team effort, and if people don’t watch their favorite teams score safely, we will see another spike in cases. “Because there is so much community transmission of COVID, we really have to consider that, even in small gatherings, you might be exposed, so keep your distance,” said Dr. Marissa Levine, a professor at USF. “If you can, meet outside. That’s always better. If you can’t, open your doors and windows, have adequate handwashing, and bring your masks.” Dr. Levine also says people should also be careful with the family-style food that is normally enjoyed at Super Bowl parties. She says coming up with dining so people don’t have to touch the same bowls, plates and utensils is the best way to go. Even though Super Bowl Sunday might look different, Pojar hopes it will be just as exciting. “True football fans and Super Bowl fans are going to find a way to cheer it on,” Pojar said.