The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and the North Bay Police Service have the same message when it comes to gathering indoors.
"Don't do it."
Both organizations are stressing that right now with the Super Bowl set to take place on Sunday night as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs battle for the NFL championship.
"For the sports enthusiasts, please gather with your friends virtually," said Special Constable John Schultz, community safety coordinator with the North Bay Police Service.
"We have been taking calls when people are not following the guidelines that are put out there. Officers have discretion but they have been laying charges against some people and they can probably expect that kind of response if somebody is going to host a party."
Last week North Bay Police handed out 13 tickets for lockdown infractions including seven for individuals hosting social gatherings.
See related: Police issue 13 tickets in past week for lockdown infractions
The Health Unit says with the Stay-at-Home Order still in effect, football fans can still enjoy the game with friends and family in a different way this weekend.
They suggest using online technology to create video conferences or group chats to keep in touch during the big game.
“We know that people will want to celebrate this day with their friends and family, but we need to remember to do so safely,” reminds Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health in a release.
“With new COVID-19 variant cases surging across the province, following the Stay-at-Home Order is more important than ever. This doesn’t mean we can’t have fun, we simply need to be more creative.”
Other Health Unit ideas include supporting local restaurants by ordering your favourite takeout or delivery snack.
The Health Unit reminds residents that the provincial Stay-at-Home Order means that you cannot gather indoors with people you do not live with, or if you live alone with people outside your one exclusive close contact family.
The Health Unit notes that traveling outside your home should be limited except for going to work or school, and for essential trips such as groceries, medication, and medical appointments.
For more information on COVID-19 please visit www.myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.
