The World Series of Poker Europe is fast approaching and the host venue, King’s Resort, has updated its COVID guidelines.
In line with changes to the Czech Republic’s health laws, King’s Resort has confirmed that everyone visiting the casino will have to prove they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19. Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated or who isn’t willing/able to show proof will have to pass an antigen or PCR test. And, like at the WSOP in Las Vegas, players will be required to wear facemasks inside the casino and at the poker table.
WSOPE rules confirmed as COVID restrictions ramp up
Tuesday night’s announcement came in the wake of new restrictions being introduced by Czech health minister Adam Vojtěch. With an uptick in positive cases over the past two weeks, Vojtěch made face masks mandatory in public settings on Oct. 25. The health minister also said that COVID passes must be checked in all public settings.
The Czech Republic introduced COVID passes in June. However, local media outlets have reported that they’re seldom required at bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. This will change on Nov. 1 as Vojtěch has made them a legal condition of entry. He’s also authorized a special task force of “hygienists” and police officers to carry out random spot checks on businesses to make sure they’re complying with the rules.
King’s Resort previously told CardsChat that a negative antigen or PCR test would be required for the WSOPE. Players could also provide proof that they’d been vaccinated for at least 14 days or recovered from COVID-19 within the past 180 days.
COVID status becomes a condition of entry
The latest announcement confirms that these conditions will be in place when the WSOPE begins on Nov. 19. The rules also ensure King’s Resort complies with the Czech Republic’s fresh wave of restrictions. Per the announcement, all visitors must meet one of the following conditions before they can take part in the WSOPE:
- Provide results of a negative antigen test taken within the 24 hours of arrival
- Provide results of a negative PCR test taken within the 72 hours of arrival
- Provide official proof that they have recovered from COVID-19 within 180 days of arrival
- Provide proof that they have received an EU-approved vaccine
King’s Resort will accept the EU Digital COVID Certificate, commonly known as the Green Pass, as proof of vaccination. Any other forms of proof used in a player’s native country will also be accepted.
What vaccines are acceptable?
Prospective WSOPE players will need to make sure that they have been jabbed with an EU-approved vaccine. The following COVID vaccines are recognized by the European Medical Agency:
- Pfizer (two doses required)
- Moderna (two doses required)
- AstraZeneca (two doses required)
- Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Pharmaceuticals (one dose required)
The European Medical Agency also has certain vaccines under “rolling review,” which will also be accepted at the WSOPE:
- CureVac (two doses required)
- Sanofi-GSK (two doses required)
- Novavax (two doses required)
Tuesday’s announcement confirms what many already expected to see at this year’s WSOPE and, as such, shouldn’t cause as much consternation as when the WSOP changed its COVID rules. However, some players may decide to sit out this year’s event due to current restrictions.
Whatever people’s decision, the WSOPE will go ahead at King’s Resort between Nov. 19 and Dec. 8.
