In this Nov. 29, 2020 file photo, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) does a back flip into the end zone to score a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game in Tampa, Fla. Hill was unstoppable against Tampa Bay in late November. The speedy Kansas City star caught 13 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns in the Chiefs' 27-24 victory that afternoon. Tampa Bay gets another shot at Hill and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Doug Murray, File)

CHENANGO COUNTY – As our community continues to battle coronavirus, many celebrations and events have been canceled or postponed.

The Superbowl event is upon us, and to further combat the spread of COVID-19 please consider ways to protect individuals at risk by decreasing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

It is still very important to continue to follow the recommendations to social distance, wear masks, and protect yourself.

The main suggestion for best practice for a Superbowl gathering should be to ONLY include people that belong to the same household. Indoor and outdoor gatherings statewide at private residences are still limited to no more than 10 people. Please do not gather in large groups or host large parties for the Superbowl.

The risk of COVID-19 spreading at events and gatherings increases as follows:

Lowest risk: Virtual-only activities, events, and gatherings.

More risk: Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear masks, do not share objects, and come from the same local area (e.g., community, town, city, or county).

Higher risk: Medium-sized in-person gatherings that are adapted to allow individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and with attendees coming from outside the local area.

Highest risk: Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area.

The more people an individual interacts with at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the potential risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.

Visiting friends and loved ones remotely using social media is one way to connect. Thanks to technology, we can still celebrate traditions together. Please be safe and do what is best to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

- Submitted by the Chenango County Department of Health