diff --git a/frigate/http.py b/frigate/http.py
index 4d818d37c..a0f9e83be 100644
--- a/frigate/http.py
+++ b/frigate/http.py
@@ -86,7 +86,8 @@ def create_app(frigate_config, database: SqliteDatabase, stats_tracking, detecte
 
     @app.before_request
     def _db_connect():
-        database.connect()
+        if database.is_closed():
+            database.connect()
 
     @app.teardown_request
     def _db_close(exc):