As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is gripping the US, casinos in Pennsylvania are trying to rethink their strategies in tackling the problem. The Keystone state now has four properties that have shut down because of the spread of the virus.

Casino properties close

Pennsylvania has 12 casino properties, out of which 4 have already shut down in the wake of coronavirus. Three of these properties are located in Philadelphia while one is from Pittsburgh. This includes Philadelphia-BASED Harrah’s located in Delaware County and Valley Forge located in Montgomery County. Note that Philadelphia and Pittsburg are the two worst affected with 24 of the 41 confirmed COVID-19 infections located in these cities.

The Keystone state governor Tom Wolf has asked people to avoid traveling. He has also urged people not to go outside unless they are buying food or medicine. He has also called for the termination or suspension of all gatherings and conferences including more than 250 people.

The local authorities are alarmed because of the rising number of infection cases in the state. The only defense mechanism available for people is social distancing, which will lead to the avoidance of unnecessary travels for most people. It would also include a two-week quarantine period for the infected people. Montgomery County has put restrictions in its jurisdictions since March 13 and its measures will continue till the next two weeks. There is no direct ban on visiting theaters, gyms and malls but the authorities are advising against recreational outings.

Rivers Casino shuts down

Philadelphia’s Rivers Casino shut down voluntarily on March 15 for two weeks. The Mayor of Pittsburg is also considering to announce a state of emergency in the city, which will ban gatherings. Pennsylvania authorities have also started shutting down all K-12 schools in the state from Monday for two weeks.

Pennsylvania is not the only state where gambling properties are shutting down because of the coronavirus scare. California also shut down San Manuel Casino and Pechanga Casino. California has not reported any cases yet but the threat of the pandemic is very real at this time. However, it is very difficult to suggest something at the time because of the rapid rate at which the virus spreads. Indiana too has ordered all casinos and racetracks to close down. Tribal Four Winds Plans will not heed the warnings and stay open. Ohio and Illinois are also suspending their gambling industries.