The Coronavirus has wreck havoc not only the world but on the live poker scene as well. Casinos have been ordered to shut down and poker tours are being canceled to control the disease. Some borders have been closed and people are forced to stay at home. With that let us examine the Corona Virus.

A Small History

December 1, 2019. The first known patient started experiencing symptoms on 1 December 2019. He had not been to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market of Wuhan.

March 11, 2020. The World Health Organization officially declared the coronavirus outbreak to be a pandemic( is a disease epidemic that has spread across a large region, for instance, multiple continents, or worldwide.),

As of 19 March 2020, over 225,000 cases have been reported worldwide; more than 9,200 people have died, and over 85,000 have recovered. There is thought to be a substantial under-reporting of cases, particularly of cases with milder symptoms or no symptoms.

How Dangerous is the Coronavirus?

Among the cases reported to date, in four out of five cases the infection was mild. In some patients, the virus can lead to severe illness, including difficulty breathing, and to pneumonia. Deaths have mainly occurred among patients who were elderly and/or had prior underlying chronic illnesses. The problem lies in how fast the virus can spread.

How does the novel virus spread?

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spreads from person to person. Droplet infection is the main mode of transmission. Transmission can take place directly, from person-to-person, or indirectly through contact between hands and the mucous membranes of the mouth, the nose or the conjunctiva of the eyes. There have been reports of persons who were infected by individuals who had only shown slight or non-specific symptoms of the disease. The percentage of asymptomatic cases is unclear; according to data from WHO and China, however, such cases do not play a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Why should it be a concern to poker players?

Poker players are not more exposed to the risks of coronavirus’ infection than anyone else. However, there are some circumstances where a few simple measures can make a big difference.
Poker players in live tournaments have the same level of exposure as everyone else. Technically, poker players on the live tournament are sitting close together using the same chips as everyone and cards are being passed from one player to another. The level of exposure is the same as riding the train or lining up in a fast-food restaurant.
However, a little precaution goes a long way. With some countries experiencing lockdowns. Let us take the opportunity to learn new habits when the live tournaments are back.
Here are some tips for poker players and non-poker players.

Wash your hands frequently

Soap is the natural enemy of the virus. Washing your hand properly is a very effective way to rid yourself of the virus. At least for 30 seconds and wash your hand properly. Even after the Lockdowns have been lifted we urged the public to make this a habit.
As Manila is currently facing a lockdown and a lot of poker players are having fun with Tiktok, a mobile app that shares funny videos. We would suggest poker players instead make videos of washing hands that more people can see and learn.

Just head to the restroom during the break, put your hands under the water for 30 seconds, it can make a whole lot of difference.

Stop touching your face that often

“People touch their faces an average of 3.6 times per hour, and common objects an average of 3.3 times per hour.” According to the Clinical Disease reports published on November 15, 2012. “touching your mouth or nose can spread the flu.”
Avoid it as much as possble
When there are viruses around, touching one’s mouth and nose is possibly the easiest way to transfer them between their face and their hand.
Limiting the number of times we touch our nose and mouth is one of the best and most effective ways to prevent “self inoculation” and stay healthy.
And if you are a nail-biter, you now have the perfect excuse to stop this terrible habit.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue

Poker is a community card game where we all share many things together. And etiquette has a role in it too. When you sneeze cover your mouth or use a disposable tissue and throw it away. Wash your hands if you can.
Don’t re-use the same tissue more than once.
Stay on a safe distant.
While the pandemic is on. Make sure you stay a safe distance and avoid handshake. If you do better wash your hand before you touch your face.