AWI releases hygiene product catalog.
Automaten-Wirtschaftsverbände Info GmbH, shortened as AWI, is now providing a free catalog for arcade operators with essential hygiene measures during this gradual reopening phase that followed the coronavirus lockdown. The flyer was specially created to aid arcade businesses in meeting the safety requirements, allowing patrons to resume gaming with minimal risks.
The AWI, being a subsidiary of the automatics commerce industry association DAW (Deutsche Automatenwirtschaft e. V.,) wishes to facilitate a smooth reopening process for Germany's arcade owners. This 9-point catalog is now accessible for download and printing. It's available in various languages and formats, emphasizing safe gaming and lowering health risks associated with COVID-19.
This catalog outlines the following points: frequent hand sanitization, maintaining a safe 1.50m distance, wearing masks, reducing overall visitor count, refusing access to visitors with any signs of illness, preventing sharing of money as much as possible, and installing partitions to secure online gaming machines. The top priority here is to communicate the changes to guests and employees, ensuring compliance with the new rules and upholding their "sense of safety."
Some German gaming zones have started their reopening procedures. For instance, Saarland and Lower Saxony were among the first to lift closure restrictions, allowing gambling activities since May 4 following a new ordinance to fight the pandemic. Gambling halls have formed part of the category "safe brick-and-mortar establishments" during the lockdown.
DAW viewed this move as great news for the gaming industry, seeing as these establishments already had solid protection measures in place. By expanding these considerations, they plan to increase safety further. Although online casinos are viable alternatives, Stecker, DAW board spokesperson, stressed the importance of legitimate gambling outlets.
The success of the reopening hinged on faster communication from federal states. Germany's gaming industry leader, Paul Gauselmann, who runs the "German king of slot machines" - Merkur, also felt optimistic. His brand is preparing for the return of customers at its 700 facilities in Europe by adopting thorough hygiene concepts. Gauselmann also lobbied for prompt actions from policymakers to restart amusement arcades, knowing that thousands of employees were either on furlough or short-term contracts.
Additionally, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein have set reopening dates. Germany's Hesse casinos opened on May 15, while Saxony's and Schleswig-Holstein's commencement dates were on May 18. Thuringia started permitting these activities as of May 13. However, others, such as Berlin and Brandenburg, are facing delays. Shelved until June 5, arcades in Berlin and Brandenburg still have a wait ahead.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's plans are to delay the reopening of their arcades until June 15. The Association of Vending Machine Dealers Berlin and Eastern Germany expressed disappointment at these extended deadlines, given other sectors have already reopened. The future of these dates is uncertain. Always hopeful, Gauselmann (Merkur's boss) had prepped for longer distancing measures and planned to cover staff salaries for Merkur's 700 gaming halls in Europe.
Despite the pandemic, Gauselmann hadn't lost faith in the gaming industry's resilience. His many weeks of preparation included comprehensive hygiene safety measures for both guests and employees. He urged politicians to reveal the reopening plans for amusements arcades more promptly. As online casinos gained immense popularity, the pressure was understandable, as Merkur boosted its presence to accommodate those waiting for their local arcade to reopen. Similarly, other North German states ramped up their plans, including northern Brandenburg. However, significant delays are reported in some regions like Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Politicians have stopped thinking about the needs of gambling hall operators when it comes to easing restrictions for other sectors. This has prompted some criticism. But currently, gaming facilities can ensure extensive safety for both guests and staff due to existing legal regulations and additional security measures. So, it looks like the gambling machine industry can relax for a while.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
