source: pexels.com As the confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK soars past the 100 mark, dabbers up and down the country want to know how it all affects them and their bingo playing.
Only yesterday (5th March) the Royal British Club in Hindhead, Surrey was into the coronavirus spotlight after four bingo players were struck down with the deadly virus.
An as-yet-unidentified player apparently contracted the COVID-19 from a relative then attended the Royal British Club in Hindhead, near Haslemere in Surrey. As a result, the Public Health England informed the club that they need to make sure that everyone takes precautionary measures. Dozens of bingo players have now been ordered into a two-week period of self-isolation.
One club member told The Sun:
“Everyone who was at Tuesday’s night’s bingo draw has been told to go home and stay there for 14 days because one person who was here then has tested positive.
“Public Health England have refused to give out the name but we know that they are a member.”
The British legion has called for calm whilst a deep clean is now underway at the venue.
Testing at the Bingo Halls
Whilst the UK prepares to implement no-go zones and ban large public gatherings, some bingo halls are taking it upon themselves to try and keep their patrons safe. One seaside bingo hall is testing the temperatures of customers as they arrive as a precaution over coronavirus.
Palace Bingo, on Church Plain in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk will not allow entry into the bingo club to anyone with a temperature over 37.4 degrees. The measures were put in place on Friday 28th but as yet, there haven't been any cases of needing to refuse entry.
Patrick Duffy, 65, managing director of Palace Bingo said:
“I believe every business has a duty of care, where you bring people in numbers together.
“Particularly in the afternoon, there might be at least 60 to 70 people in, so we do not allow people in that may have a virus.”
The bingo hall has been operating a deep clean every morning ad along with the temperature checks, the actions have appeared to have gone done well with the locals and regular patrons. Brenda Llwellyn, 74, from Great Yarmouth, said of the precautionary: measures from Crown Bingo
“I think it's good because they get a lot of people in here,
To Bingo or Not to Bingo?
In these difficult times, there is a strong argument for not going to the bingo and staying at home, getting your bingo fix with some online bingo. However, if there is one thing the British are famous for, other than fish and chips, is that Blitz spirit; the stiff upper lip, the great British stoicism.
There is, of course, a fine line between bravery and stupidity. Yet neither bravery nor foolishness is needed. At the moment, just some common sense. Using strong hand sanitizers, keeping bodily contact down to a minimum and covering any coughs and sneezes go a long way to preventing catching the coronavirus and containing it.
Life should go on as normal, and that should include your visits to the local bingo hall unless told otherwise. Stay safe, be aware of your surroundings and carry on bingoing – unless told so
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK
thanks, some cool info