Poker is a community card game that features players
constantly sizing each other up, so to speak. Sure, there has always
been literally nothing material between the players, ironically. But things
have hopped on the other foot lately. Now for the first time, ever since the
game was first played in the 10th century something has come indeed,
between ‘em. So much for sizing each other up. But perhaps sizing ‘em up
through a reflection caught of an opponent’s hand could be something else?
Some call them face coverings; some, sneeze guards.
They don’t both have to go together apparently.
Well
they serve separate purposes, to be fair. But the former has come to be
popularly known as the face mask – the most straightforward method to
counter Covid-19. At the same time, the Bellagio has now the edge over other
poker rooms in Las Vegas courtesy of its plexiglass dividers between
players.
It was (is) the only room with six-handed games; when it
stepped up its risks with Covid-19 as it reopened, 18th of last
month (June). The state game control board of Nevada US., has required patrons
to be equipped with appropriate protection against Covid-19.
Further, the mandate states that table and card game members/participants
need to use face coverings if a barrier of any sort does not exist between them
(dealer and each player). This is in fact the case with other poker rooms in Las
Vegas that have been approved for only five-handed games by the Gaming
control board. Casino poker rooms largely host nine or ten players at the
table.
Not
only do the players have to observe this rule but also, spectators or people less
than 6 feet away from the game.
While licensed proprietors are required to guarantee the
availability of face masks upon request, these are expected to be offered to
guests as they enter the establishment(s). Also, dedicated signage
that informs of mask availability must be highlighted throughout the
establishment. In the Bellagio notably, the prevalence of plexiglass (sneeze
guards) only encourage patrons to wear masks nonetheless whereas the mask is
indispensable for down through five handed games and games at all other
casinos without modified tables.
And for good reason. The exchange of cash cards and chips amongst hugs and banter had claimed the lives of three among eight retired New Yorkers, leaving the rest infected. The poker lovers had in the past met during their frequent bouts in South Florida casinos, playing for the final time on March 12.
And for good reason. The exchange of cash cards and chips amongst hugs and banter had claimed the lives of three among eight retired New Yorkers, leaving the rest infected. The poker lovers had in the past met during their frequent bouts in South Florida casinos, playing for the final time on March 12.
