Hessian arcades exhale in relief.
The German state of Hesse has loosened its coronavirus safety measures since August 15. This coincides with the repeal of the mask mandate for visitors to regular arcades and casinos. The requirement to wear masks has also no longer enforced in Baden-Württemberg. Is this beneficial for the struggling sector or has the easing happened too early?
No masks for visitors, but compulsory for staff
Immediately, patrons of gambling halls and casinos in Hesse will no longer need to wear face coverings, following a decision made by the Corona Cabinet of the Hessian state government. However, this rule doesn't apply to workers, who are still required to don masks. All other regulations have been extended until October 31, 2020.
Arcades are still prohibited from serving alcohol. Offering food, drinks, or snacks from vending machines is also prohibited. Strict hygiene rules remain in place, and arcades must provide disinfectants. Social distancing rules must also be adhered to. This means guests should avoid queues. Access controls ensure only a certain number of guests are present.
Safety precautions include ensuring only one visitor occupies 20 square meters of gaming space. Thus, an arcade spanning 150 square meters can admit a maximum of seven guests. The gaming equipment needs regular disinfection to prevent the spread of the dreadful lung infection, Covid-19. If infections occur, there's a high chance the mask mandate might be reinstated or closure may be forced.
To trace infection chains, visitors must hand over their names, addresses, and phone numbers. These details must be kept for a month by the appropriate authorities. After that period, though, operators are required to delete the data, which may not be utilized for marketing purposes.
HMV is delighted
As was the case with the reopening of amusement arcades, industry associations have expressed their thoughts on Hesse's relaxation. For instance, the Hessian Coin-operated Machine Association (HMV) issued a press release, expressing their joy over the removal of the mask requirement. But, the association cautioned its members to take the remaining regulations seriously. Employees were also encouraged to maintain discipline and obey hygiene and safety regulations. Employees should not let in more customers than prescribed, and the minimum distance must be maintained. Customer registration is still necessary.
Baden-Württemberg also relaxed
Hesse's new regulation aligns with how Baden-Württemberg allowed similar relaxations in amusement arcades since early July. The state's gaming machine association informed its members of these changes. The mask command has also lifted for visitors, but not staff.
However, a lawyer from the association highlighted that the mask mandate would be lifted only if all other safety measures were met, such as physical barriers. The smoking ban in effect in Baden-Württemberg, which came hand-in-hand with the mask mandate, was also canceled. Regardless, Caring for all other measures is essential.
A serious debate
Whether the relaxations are happening too soon is up for debate. In the last week (as of 18.08.), Hesse reported 828 new infections. The escalation potential is clear, based on recent events in the Ruhr region, which has been a coronavirus hotspot recently. In Herne alone, there were 30 infections per 100,000 residents on August 13. A potential lockdown is imminent if infections exceed 50 in a week.
In May's end, Germany's well-known virologist Christian Drosten cautioned Welt.de against easing restrictions too quickly. The strategy of allowing more personal responsibility, in practice for gambling halls, was criticized. Drosten also urged better regulations for essential institutions like schools and daycare centers. It remains to be seen whether the current experiments carried out by the federal states will be successful.
Gauselmann's precaution
The shutdown of German gaming arcades due to Covid-19 has impacted the industry greatly. Consequently, Germany's gaming arcade market leader Gauselmann (Merkur) requires a careful approach. Last week, it became public knowledge that Gauselmann had over 800 of its staff tested for Covid-19. The company claimed all findings were negative.
The tests were provided free-of-charge to employees and conducted in conjunction with the Johannes Wesling Clinic in Minden within three days. Company owner Paul Gauselmann (85) also got himself checked. The company has weathered the pandemic well, and comprehensive testing is crucial to mitigate the crisis. Gauselmann now also operates a Merkur online casino.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
