COVID-19: Health Experts Claim Casinos Are Safer Than Church

Casinos around the country have been opening up to large crowds and long waits for a seat in the limited poker games available.

There are plenty of reasons to be concerned about the possible public health problems that could arise from the spread of germs through casinos during a pandemic. But according to one group of doctors, gambling at a casino might actually be safer than getting a drink at a bar, playing pickup basketball, and even going to church.

A report from Mass Live details the rankings of four public health experts on 36 common activities and how at risk they are for the spread of coronavirus.

The doctors graded each activity on a 0-10 scale based on five factors: whether the activity is inside or outside; the proximity to others; the time of exposure around other people; the likelihood of complains; and personal risk level.

No activity was scored as a 10, but drinking at a bar and attending a large music concert were both at the top of the list with a rating of 9. Casinos were assigned a level of 6, which is markedly riskier than going for a walk or getting groceries, but ranked below gyms, amusement parks, sporting events, and church services, which all came in at level 8.

“Casinos check many of the concerning boxes – like crowds, alcohol, and loud talking,” the article read. “Casinos with more of an open floor plan and other precautions in place will be less risky.”

Of course, the bigger casino resorts also have buffets, which was also rated an 8. Nearly every casino that has reopened has kept its buffet closed.

What did these doctors feel was the safest activity? Getting takeout and playing tennis. Each were assigned as a risk level of 1.

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