Super Bowl Parties, Variants Raise King County Coronavirus Risks

KING COUNTY, WA — King County coronavirus rates continue to move in the right direction, but health officials warn any misstep could spell trouble, especially as more infectious strains begin to gain a foothold.

The county's health officer, Dr. Jeff Duchin, hosted his weekly coronavirus briefing Friday, providing insight into the latest trends and reiterating the importance of caution, now more than ever, to avoid another wave of infections that could surpass all others.

"I feel that we're in the eye of a hurricane," Duchin said. "I want to remind everyone that we should expect the variant strain to become widespread here, and it will make our outbreak much harder to control. In other countries, this variant has led to new peaks in cases and deaths that were greater than what was experienced previously."

Recent data show average daily case counts in the 200s, significantly below peak levels reached in December, but three or four times case counts recorded in the fall, and seven times higher than June. Officials say getting transmission rates as low as possible before the variant becomes dominant will be essential to avoid tragedy and potentially strict lockdowns.

"It's as though we're experiencing two outbreaks now," Duchin said. "We're currently seeing a decrease in cases in an outbreak we've been experiencing from a virus we've gotten to know over the past year. At the same time, a new outbreak threat from the variant strain, B117, is growing, and largely is silent at the moment. But recent estimates from other countries suggest that the variant is doubling every week."

One immediate area of concern is preventing an avoidable surge in infections resulting from Super Bowl parties. Echoing calls from state health officials on Thursday, Duchin said traditional gatherings were a recipe for disaster.

Related: Avoid Traditional Super Bowl Parties, Washington Officials Urge

"For Sunday's Super Bowl, it's the fans that are at more risk than the players on the field," Duchin said. "The best Super Bowl advice is: please don't gather indoors with non-household members, or everyone risks ending up on the injured list."

While Phase 2 rules do allow for small gatherings, Duchin said anyone choosing to do so should make sure to follow the necessary precautions and socialize outdoors as much as possible.

"If you do watch with others indoors, make sure to open windows to increase ventilation and wear masks," Duchin said. "If ventilation is not good, the virus can build up in the room just like cigarette smoke would. Singing, speaking loudly, and shouting puts out even more virus. Please, try to limit loud cheering, especially for Tampa Bay."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shared a comprehensive list of reminders for watching the game Sunday, including:

• You are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with people who don’t live with you.
• Remember that people without symptoms or with a recent negative test result can still spread COVID-19 to others.
• Choose venues that limit seating and allow for social distancing. Outdoor venues are safer.
• Select seating or determine where to stand based on the ability to keep 6 feet of space from people who don’t live in your household, especially if you will be eating or drinking.

Health officials also recommend guests bring their own food and drinks, and avoid communal or buffet-style meals and snacks to cut off another potential source of infection.

Review a complete list of CDC recommendations online.