Pa Casinos Closed From Virus

As the recent coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the globe, the United States is beginning to feel the pinch. A number of changes have already been implemented in a bid to deal with the issue. In Pennsylvania, one of the ways that are being used to combat the spread of the virus is the closure of certain non-essential spaces. These spaces include large gatherings or recreational activities such as movie theaters, gyms as well as shopping malls.

As of this writing, four of the Keystone States have stopped their operations temporarily alongside several other businesses. This temporary closure is being implemented in order to prevent the possibility of further spread of the coronavirus. In addition to that, the state’s residents have also been warned against non-essential travel within certain counties.

• Shares of Penn National Gaming cratered Wednesday as the coronavirus pandemic has forced the country’s largest regional casino owner to close outlets around the country.
• The Valley Forge Casino in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania, closed early Friday, saying it was complying with a directive from the state's governor to close all public schools, entertainment venues.
• The temporary closure of the Rivers Casino is the third one in Pennsylvania to suspend operations because of the coronavirus, said Richard McGarvey, state gaming commission spokesman.
• The Meadows Racetrack & Casino offers world class casino gaming, dining, events, entertainment, and luxury hotel just 30 minutes south of Pittsburgh in Washington, PA.

New virus restrictions in Teller County will force casinos to close. Chancey Bush, The Gazette Teller County officials have protested the state health department's decision to impose stricter.

Valley Forge Casino and Harrah’s Philadelphia have ceased their operations until further notice due to the virus. Information about potential reopening dates will be made available once everything cools down and the spread of the virus has been contained.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia, on the other hand, has chosen to voluntarily close its business for a total of 14 days beginning midnight on Sunday. The same goes for Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh, in particular, was already on the spot after its mayor, Bill Peduto, declared a state of emergency on Friday. This restricted any gathering that involves more than 250 people.

More Efforts

Various health centers across the United States have already set up both advisory and screening hotlines where residents will be able to find assistance. In addition to that, there are dozens of testing centers spread across the state.

Speaking on the matter, Richard McGarvey who is the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s spokesperson said that everyone in the state should adhere to the guidelines that have been outlined by the state’s department of health. He went on to comment on the casinos that are closing down voluntarily for playing their part in the fight to control the spread of the virus. Seems like online gaming is the way to go now.

“As the situation changes and as the governor and the Health Department come out with ‘Here’s what needs to be happening,’ the casinos so far I think have been open to that and doing those requirements.”

Thankfully, Dozens of casinos in the United States have been taking the necessary steps just like in Pennsylvania. For instance, Las Vegas’ MGM and Wynn Resorts properties have shut down their operations. On a similar note, Hard Rock, which is widely known for its live entertainment offerings, has canceled all those events. These include concerts as well as nightclub entertainment.

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LINCOLN (CBS13) — There are a lot of handles, buttons, and tables to touch if you’re going to gamble at Thunder Valley Casino.

It’s why Kioko Martins has her own stash of hand sanitizer and keeps a mask with her.

“I’m ready to go and it’s been a long time I haven’t been out here,” she said.

Dwayne West Jr. keeps his hands away from his face, hat, and mask.

“Just make sure I’m sanitizing and watching what surfaces I touch,” he said.

But even with safety protocols like thermal temperature checks, masks, and hand sanitizer over at Colusa Casino, gamblers are being warned about possible exposure just days after it reopened.

With more casinos reopening in the area, we wanted to know if it’s too soon. We turned to Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, professor of medicine and infectious disease expert at UCLA. He says exposures are more likely to occur indoors and when it comes to casinos specifically they are considered low to medium risk.

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“I don’t think it’s too soon. I think we need California to be back to work and back to school and back to play. The original purpose of shutting down the state was to save the hospitals, the hospitals were saved,” said Dr. Klaunser.

Dr. Klausner says cleaning high-touch surfaces inside casinos is effective and an important way to reduce the further risk of spread. Thunder Valley says a special maintenance team works to disinfect and sanitizing is also done by dealers and team members after every use.

“You’re going to have somebody that it there wiping the slots machines wiping the table games down,” said Doug Elmets with Thunder Valley Casino.

Pa Casinos Closed From Virus Today

For the most part, gamblers aren’t too worried.

“More hand sanitizer, more people be aware of each other,” Martins said.

Pa Casinos Closed From Virus Outbreaks

“I think if everybody pays attention to doing what is necessary, you know everybody will be clean there won’t be the spread of the virus or anything like that,” said Daryl Zafferano.