Punxsutawney Phil To Go Virtual For 2021 Groundhog Day

PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA — Punxsutawney Phil is going to be lonely on Feb. 2.

The prognosticating groundhog will still make his annual prediction on whether six more weeks of winter will follow, but he will do it surrounded only by his Punxsutawney Groundhog Club inner circle.

"It has been determined that there will not be any in person attendance or guests on the grounds as the potential COVID-19 risks to overcome are too great," the club announced on its website. "We will continue to update the media and Phil's followers as to viewing the live ceremony and prognostication via broadcasting and on all outlets, including television and Internet and live steaming."

Phil's forecast usually attracts thousands of people to Gobbler's Knob, located just outside of Punxsutawney about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

The groundhog club left a glimmer of hope that the usual Groundhog Day festivities could occur as usual.

"It is very unlikely," the club said in its statement. "But it if it is determined that we can logistically and safety hold any in person activities related to Groundhog Day, we will make that information available if developed. "