MADISON, Wis. — As the Badgers prepare for some Wisconsin football this Friday night, a top medical expert issued a major health warning in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.  

UW Health Chief Quality & Safety Officer Dr. Jeff Pothof knows in-person parties and tailgating are dangerous in the current climate.

"It's just really a bad idea right now,” Pothof said. “We have not been in a worse situation as it pertains to this pandemic. As we are right now, it’s just not a safe option if you're trying to avoid catching COVID-19, or trying to not do COVID-19 to someone who you care about, or if you really want things to get back to normal.”

But he believes even the most religious of fans can still have some safe, socially-distanced fun. 

"Anything we can do to highlight individuals or groups that have been creative and have found a way to really tightly adhere to public health recommendations. You know we should celebrate those people," Dr. Pothof said about the Sisters of Chryst.

"We will be there in spirit, the Holy Spirit, for sure," Sister Mary Bucky laughed over Zoom.  

The Badger Nun and her fellow sisters, Sister Mary Touchdown and Sister Hail Mary, are now getting in the habit of wearing their game day clothing at home.

"Well, we are in a bubble here at the convent,” Sister Bucky said. “So we can all get together and cheer together which makes it more fun.”

She says they will “Jump Around,” pray and perform songs online now as the cloistered COVID-19 Badger Nuns.

Dr. Pothof said that works, along with these other ways.

"It'd be totally fine to do virtual tailgates. Maybe you have your computer up while you're watching the game, you can kind of connect with other people that way," Dr. Pothof said. "I know it's not the same as being in person but you know, this year, I think with a little creativity and some ingenuity, which I know a lot of people have figured it out this year. We can still have fun we can share on the Badgers.”

Meanwhile, UW Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank issued this statement to Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin about Badger Football concerns.

“Our fans should think about all of our football games as away games this year. We’re asking students and other fans who live in madison to follow public health guidelines and avoid gatherings. We’re asking our fans around the state to watch the games at home.”