Health Experts Encourage Sports Fans to Watch Super Bowl Safely

Cases and hospital admissions continue to decrease, and we now appear to be in a consistent downward trajectory for both of these important outcomes. While deaths have continued to increase, the pace appears to be slowing with the average number of deaths increasing 1 percent to slightly more than 3,100 deaths per day from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. And the recent decline in hospitalizations gives us hope that the number of deaths should start to decrease in the coming weeks. Although we have seen declines in cases and admissions, and a recent slowing of deaths, cases remain extraordinarily high. Based on contact tracing of recent variant cases, not wearing masks and participating in in-person social gatherings have contributed to the variants’ spread. And this Sunday, remember, whichever team you’re rooting for and whichever commercial is your favorite, please watch the Super Bowl safely, gathering only virtually or with the people you live with. The C.D.C. recently posted guidance on how to safely enjoy the game.