Tampa Mayor frustrated over Super Bowl LV parties sans COVID-19 safety protocols [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Tampa Bay Mayor Jane Castor was dismayed over maskless fans and people who did not practice social distancing amid the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl title victory.
• Castor urged the people to celebrate safely for fears that the Super Bowl could be a super-spreader event.
• The state of Florida has over 1.7 confirmed cases of coronavirus with over 28,000 deaths.

Amid the victory of Tampa Bay Buccaneers for clinching the Super Bowl LV, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor became frustrated over city celebrations as fans packed streets or sports bars without masks and social distancing.

“It is a little frustrating because we have worked so hard. At this point in dealing with COVID-19, there is a level of frustration when you see that,” Castor said during a Monday morning news conference with the Super Bowl Host Committee.

Castor signed an executive order, compelling people to wear face masks during the Super Bowl in a bid to prevent a COVID-19 ‘super-spreader’ event. She urged the people to celebrate carefully with precaution.

As part of the city’s efforts to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols in place, the NFL reduced the live audience to a maximum of 25,000 at the Raymund James Stadium which could actually hold around 66,000 people. Wearing of face masks and social distancing was also enforced.

Around 200,000 masks were distributed in advance before the game. Most of the crowd and establishments were obedient to the safety measures, the mayor said.

Outside the stadium, however, thousands of fans, without masks or proper social distancing, were seen flocking together in celebration of the Bucs’ 31-9 victory against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Tampanians across the city gathered as some rushed to sports bars, rubbed elbows and even gave hugs to each other.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s top infectious disease expert, has initially warned against the potential surge of coronavirus due to the Super Bowl, as he made a piece of advice to people to “just lay low and cool it.”

The mayor said that the city and the Bucs were finalizing an official celebration which would be held within the week.

“This win was from the Buccaneer team but this win was for our entire community. They deserve to be able to celebrate with the team. Everybody will be able to participate and participate safely,” she said.

Based on state health records, Florida, where Tampa Bay is located, has over 1.7 reported COVID-19 cases with 28,000 deaths. On Sunday, over 667,000 people have been fully inoculated.

Source: AOL.com