New COVID rules in England mean that poker players will have to wear facemasks inside casinos beginning on Friday. Starting Friday, poker players in England will have to wear facemasks when they visit casinos in England. (Image: Empire Casino) The abrupt change comes amid concerns that the Omicron variant could cause a spike in hospitalizations across the country.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the news Wednesday night. In addition to making facemasks mandatory in most indoor settings, controversial COVID passes will become a condition of entry in certain venues as of Dec. 15 . COVID rules return as data show signs of improvement
England dropped all of its COVID restrictions in July and, despite some experts predicting the move would have potentially devasting consequences, the number of deaths hasn’t gotten out of control. In fact, the daily average has been falling since October .
COVID deaths have been dropping in England since October. (Image: Gov.UK)
The number of people hospitalized with COVID has also come down over the past six weeks . However, with countries across Europe imposing new restrictions , Johnson has taken pre-emptive measures. People have been asked to work from home, if possible, and the latest “guidance” from the government is that facemasks should be worn in public settings, including in casinos.
CardsChat called two of London’s largest casinos, the Empire and the Hippodrome. The representatives we spoke to said they’re unsure as to whether the new COVID rules will apply to their venues. The officials said they haven’t been given any official confirmation of the changes, but said any new rules will be published online. They also suggested that a COVID pass would be necessary to enter the premises, but again, say there’s been a lack of communication from official sources. Seeking clarity
Casinos are mentioned in the government’s list of places where facemasks are necessary. However, the latest guidance also states that the following venues are exempt from the mask mandate: Restaurants, cafés, and canteens
Bars and shisha bars
Gyms and exercise facilities Photography studios Nightclubs, dance halls, and discotheques Given that the Empire and Hippodrome both […]
Click here to view original web page at www.cardschat.com
