Best Ways to Avoid Coronavirus at Casinos
The recent outbreak and spread of coronavirus has many people around the world on edge. It may have started in Wuhan, China, but it quickly spread to other parts of China and then to other countries.
The latest strain of the coronavirus is a respiratory illness, one that begins with the typical symptoms of a bad cold or the flu – cough, fever, breathing trouble. But it can quickly transform into pneumonia and worse. Hundreds of people have died thus far, with tens of thousands reporting coronavirus infections.
With the disease having traveled well beyond the borders of China, many people in Australia have grown concerned. Since it seems to be easily transferable from person to person through the air, people are more wary of public places. A casino seems to be a particularly unsafe place to be, especially when cards, casino chips, and money changes hands so frequently. This is why the government of Macau ordered the closure of all of its casinos for two weeks.
Australian Casinos
People will continue to go to casinos. And it is not particularly dangerous to simply be in contact with other people, if proper precautions are taken.
Whether playing slots or table games, it is important that gamblers remain safe. There are numerous ways to do this.
Wash Hands
This is a basic but essential way to stay safe from coronavirus…or any virus. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. And when that option is not available, use an alcohol-based anti-bacterial hand rub.
Washing one’s hands is actually the very first and most basic suggestion from the World Health Organization as to staying safe from viruses.
Keep a Distance
Do not walk or stand too close to others if possible. Try to remain at least one meter from strangers, especially those who cough, sneeze, or display other cold symptoms.
This is easier said than done in a casino. People are typically in close proximity to each other, especially when playing table games like craps, blackjack, or poker. In blackjack, people are touching the same cards, so hand sanitizer is essential – even if done after every hand of blackjack. In poker, players touch the same chips and cards and are seated directly next to one another. This also requires a good bit of hand sanitizer.
When playing slot machines, simply move to another machine if someone sits too close or exhibits cold symptoms. The same goes for table games and poker. If possible and not playing poker professionally, it might be wise to play less at this time.
Avoid Touching One’s Face
When in a public environment like a casino, avoid touching your own eyes, nose, and mouth. This is how germs spread immediately. Use tissues or touch your face after washing your hands with soap. The virus can also spread from a surface to a person, so this is an especially important rule.
Wear a Mask
Masks are sometimes overused, but this is not one of them. People in casinos should wear masks to avoid breathing germs. With the starting point of the virus so close to Australia and with so many people traveling from Asia to Australia regularly – especially for tourism and gambling purposes – Australian casino patrons should be extra careful.
If there are no masks available in stores, contact a pharmacy, doctor, or hospital.
Wash Clothing After a Casino Visit
This pertains to any situation in which you are surrounded by a lot of people. Do not attempt to wear clothes more than once. Remove the clothes worn to the casino and immediately put them in a closed hamper or container until you are able to wash them.
Stay Home if Sick
Casinos will not advise this, as they will rarely ever turn customers away. But the World Health Organization suggests that if you have any cold symptoms whatsoever, it is best to stay home to keep germs away from others. And if the cold progresses into a fever or any other symptoms associated with coronavirus, it is important to see a doctor immediately for testing and care.
Practice Food Safety
Eat only well-cooked food, especially in public. It is believed that animals can carry the virus. In addition, undercooked food can also carry germs from the food preparers.
Play Online
The safest way to play casino games these days is online. One doesn’t have to leave home, take the time to travel to a casino, or come into contact with any other people.
Another benefit to playing at online casinos is the availability of many more games than any one casino can offer. Casinos like Joka Room and Playamo have a very wide range of slots and table games. Fair Go Casino offers slots especially for Aussie players and in Aussie currency.
