Dr. Fauci says to avoid Super Bowl parties to prevent COVID-19 spread

In a typical year, Americans around the country, even those not particularly fond of the NFL or even of football, would gather inside households, bars, restaurants and other establishments for massive Super Bowl parties. 

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci took time from his busy schedule on Wednesday to remind those who wish to celebrate Sunday's Super Bowl LV matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs that the COVID-19 pandemic is still a serious threat, and that large gatherings could turn into superspreader events. 

"You don't want parties with people that you haven't had much contact with," Fauci said while on NBC's "Today" show, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "You just don't know if they're infected, so as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it."

Essentially, fans are to follow the guidelines that were recommended for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day holidays. Individuals should only gather indoors with household members, and those capable of watching the big game outside should still observe social distancing, wear face coverings and keep their hands and surfaces as sanitized as possible.