With restaurants and bars opening up to 25% capacity Monday, some Yoopers might be making plans for watching the big game this weekend.

However, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it,” according to an Associated Press article.

He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties because of the possibility that they’re infected with the coronavirus and could sicken others.

Big events like Sunday’s game in Tampa, Florida, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are always a cause for concern over the potential for virus spread, Fauci said.

“You don’t want parties with people that you haven’t had much contact with,” he told NBC’s “Today” show. “You just don’t know if they’re infected, so, as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it.”

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued tips for the big game.

“Gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year,” CDC.gov states. “This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game,” such as:

— Host a virtual Super Bowl watch party;

— Wear clothing or decorate the home with your favorite team’s logo or colors;

— Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game and share the recipes with your friends and family;

— Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching;

— Use a projector screen to broadcast the game;

— Sit at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, or LARA, had its own Super Bowl advice as well.

“We don’t want any COVID-19 super spreader events happening at Super Bowl gatherings at the bars and house parties this Sunday,” Michigan Liquor Control Commission Chair Pat Gagliardi said. “This huge sports weekend has also long been cited as a heavy drinking day for fans, making it one of the deadliest alcohol-related traffic accident days of the year. Never drink and drive; let’s make this a safe Super Bowl weekend in Michigan.”

LARA recommends for this year’s Super Bowl:

— Avoid indoor gatherings or pick a single other household to interact with;

— Limit indoor residential and non-residential gatherings to 10 people and two households;

— Make social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing a priority;

— Monitor your alcohol intake whether you’re the host or guest; never serve alcohol to minors;

— Have plenty of food available, especially if serving alcohol;

— Take the keys away from a guest who shouldn’t be driving and make arrangements to get them home safely.

And of course, wear a mask when not eating, wash hands regularly and maintain social distancing.

We are slowing finding our way out of the woods with this pandemic. Now is not the time to drop the ball — pun intended.

— The Mining Journal, Marquette