Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Bills fans are still pinching themselves to make sure it's real. The Bills are AFC East champions and will host a playoff game at Bills Stadium in Orchard Park.
As the reality for Bills fans sinks in, they're now wondering if there's a chance some of them might be in attendance when the Bills host at least one playoff game.
"Large gatherings should concern everyone," said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo over the weekend and after the Bills Mafia turned out by the thousands at the airport to welcome home the AFC East champs.
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Cuomo is not ruling out the possibility and, while he is the person who can make the decision to allow some fans, is not ready to make that determination yet.
"It’s also going to depend on the circumstances that Western New York is in at that time. What’s the infection rate? What’s the hospitalization rate?"
Both Cuomo and New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker are more concerned with the activity outside the stadium, than inside.
"The issue here is the tailgate party prior to the game, and that’s more of a challenge than even trying to make sure you get fans into a stadium appropriately," said Zucker during a call Sunday.
Both Cuomo and Zucker hint that the proper precautions can be taken for fan safety inside the stadium.
"We have looked at other stadiums that are similar size and capacity," said Zucker. Gov. Cuomo added, "If you’re wearing masks and there’s some social distancing, it’s better."
The Bills are still weeks away from a playoff game at Bills stadium and fans will be watching the Western New York COVID statistics as closely as state and local officials.
"It’s also going to depend on the circumstances that Western New York is in at that time," said Cuomo. "What’s the infection rate? What’s the hospitalization"?
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