In an attempt to quell the onslaught of swine flu, Bingo Halls across the world have been forced to close down amidst fears that the social environment of the bingo hall will only serve to increase the number of human to human transmissions.
As the World Health Organisation upped the status of swine flu from Phase 5 to Phase 6 and thus officially classifying it as a pandemic, it seems authorities are trying to implement as many preventative measures as possible. In the last month a number of Mexican bingo halls were closed, where the disease was first confirmed and where there are the most confirmed casualties to date. No time frame had been given as to the length of the ban, which extended to over two weeks eventually. Reports suggest that even after re-opening, halls have seen notably smaller attendance, as many local residents are fearful of even the slightest contact.
The moves form part of what are a series of “non pharma measures”, which have been introduced as the severity of the virus increased and as pharmaceutical companies struggle to meet demand for vaccines like TamiFlu. These include the restriction of social gatherings, screening at points of entry and exit into high risk zones, health announcements and so on.
Experts predict bingo halls could make losses running into the millions. The closures in Mexico have already demonstrated the severity of the situation, with one of the leading gaming companies estimating a €0.5 million reduction in profits as a result of the two week shutdown, as well as reporting substantial losses in revenue due to reduced turnout in some of its Spanish clubs.
Although the situation is not as bad in the UK, local bingo halls will still be hoping for the best in light of dwindling attendance due to the smoking ban and recession. Many small to medium bingo operators will be hoping for as little damage as possible as a result of the pandemic, fearing such closures could be a final nail in the coffin for the local bingo hall.
