Officials and owners talk Super Bowl Sunday COVID concerns

(ALBANY, GA) – As millions get ready to watch the Super Bowl in Tampa, back in Albany, local health officials are sharing advice on limiting potential COVID-19 spread this weekend.

Dr Charles Ruis with the Georgia Department of Public Health there are a couple other things to keep in mind if you’re watching at home.

“If people get together outdoors and watch the game, if they stay six feet apart, then that’s going to help, a lot,” says Dr. Ruis

While some people will be content to watch the big game at home this weekend, restaurants like king claw are going to have their doors open sunday. And they’re making sure their own guidelines are in place.

King Claw General Manager, Briana Thomas tells us, “All of our booths are actually blocked off, so there is a six feet distance, at the bar is going to be a six feet distance. And also we’ll have a wait time. We’ve informed people via social media to actually make reservations.”

However, restaurant owners and health experts agree, if you aren’t feeling well, to stay away from any large super bowl parties.

Dr. Ruis says, “If you go outside those guidelines, a person is putting their own health at risk, they’re putting the health of the community at risk. And that’s quite a lot to pay…”

But even with covid-19 guidelines in place, restaurant owners aren’t going to be deterred from bringing in football fans.

“we have so many calls coming in now, reservations coming in. Everyone’s calling about the hot wing challenge, the super bowl. So it’s going to be a great turnout. This is exactly how we envisioned it.”

You can’t watch Super Bowl 55 this Sunday on South Georgia TV.