Quote:
Originally Posted by Variance51
We are talking about SIX months from now. Sure things could be worse if something like a variant emerges that is significantly resistant to the vaccine and we need another vaccine. Based on current projections though, things will be exponentially better in any country able to get vaccine out to a large portion of their population. I said most because most of the volume of international WSOP players come from countries which should have things better under control. That doesn't mean all.
The truth is a decent size portion of the population is anti-mask. Casinos aren't going to force people to wear masks beyond when they are reasonably needed (once mandates by government end) because they will lose business. Im not saying get rid of all measures right now or even next month, I'm saying in SIX months masks and other measures won't be required.
You are underestimating the effect the vaccine will have on containing the virus once the US and other countries approach total herd immunity in their respective populations. I am basing my argument based on if current trends hold. Yes, if something terrible like a strain that is totally vaccine resistant emerged than all cards are off the table.
I don't underestimate the effects of the vaccine once it has been rolled out globally. You appear to overestimate the speed with which it will be rolled out, even in developed countries, it takes time to produce, deliver and administer in the quantities that are necessary. The US has done a good job so far although still only at about 35% in 4 months, but most of Europe is at less than 10%, Canada at 16%, Mexico at 6% and the World at 5%. It is possible, even likely, that in 6 months time the US will have vaccinated enough of its population to have created some level of herd immunity, but whilst the virus is still at large globally, the threat remains.
Dropping mask requirements may gain Casinos the business of anti-maskers, but it will cost them the business of those who do not feel safe enough to visit. Which demographic is the more valuable to the Casino? That will determine their stance.
I tend to think that mask-wearing will be required in certain close contact environments for a good while yet, you may need to wear one sitting at a blackjack table, but not at a slot machine or walking around. You may need to wear one when on a plane, but not at the airport. These rules are more likely to be focused on staff welfare rather than customer benefit and could well be demanded by Union where they exist. This logic would translate to them being required at the WSOP when seated at a table in order to protect the dealer, but not when walking around.