Super Bowl 2021: NFL reveals plan to conduct marquee sports event amidst COVID-19 fears

A year ago, when COVID-19 pandemic took over world, one was sure if sports would return in 2021 – that to with fans allowed into venue. NFL – also affected by pandemic's impact – will be conducting Super Bowl this weekend, apparently ready with all necessary precautions needed to carry out event successfully. Super Bowl between Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers is scheduled for Sunday, 8:30 PM EST (Monday, 7:00 AM IST). 

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How will Super Bowl 2021 health and safety be mand?

As Super Bowl 2021 nears, concerns about COVID-19 spread due to post-game celebrations increase. While t much can be done later on, league has altered way game will be watched, played and attended.  "We want our fans to be safe," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about Super Bowl, adding that fans need to be smart. 

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What are Super Bowl 2021 COVID-19 guidelines?

Around 25,000 fans will be attending game at  Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, which includes 7,500 healthcare workers. However, along with mandatory masks – y will have to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). league will also try and carry out a safe half-time show. As per British director Hamish Hamilton, task has been difficult as pandemic has affected production parameters. 

Along with everyone present, performers will have to consider social distancing. 

Dr Anthony Fauci also addressed Super Bowl situation, concerned about parties. As per Dr Fauci, people should lay it low, as this is t time to invite people and watch game toger – risking a COVID-19 spread. While game in itself is a concern, home parties too, will add to COVID-19 spread. 

NFL will reportedly five out kits during game, which include hand sanitizers and KN95 masks. NFL executive Jeff Miller furr added that mask-wearing will be made mandatory, along with strict social distancing measures. “It’s been a lot of work by a lot of people and a lot of engment with local, state, and national health officials to do this as safely as can be done,” said Miller. 

However, experts still remain concerned. According to Harvard University's epidemiologist Stephen Kissler, biggest concern lies in when people are using parts of stadium – and t when y are at ir seats. league will also customize entry gates, allowing fans to enter through a larger area. 

temperature checks will be done at entry points.

Additionally, tickets are being sold in groups of two to six people, so people can form 'pods'. se pods will be placed accordingly, t more than 10 people allowed in one. As per reports, NFL will carry out 200,000 health screenings for individuals at event by kickoff. league has also worked to limit contact, enable Visa for cashless transactions which include reverse ATMs. 

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Super Bowl 2021 half-time performers

This year,  Weeknd will perform at Super Bowl's half-time show. As per reports, show will start a couple of hours after tip-off. Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake are or artists that have performed at Super Bowl, which is probably seen as biggest st in sports. 

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(Im credits: AP)