SharePlayers competing in the upcoming Nevada event who have received both COVID-19 shots will not be removed if they come into contact with the virus, says WSOP.
The World Series of Poker caused quite a stir in the community last week with their announcement of their COVID-19 rule 115 - which stated the terms under which players would be allowed to compete, with regard to any potential exposure to coronavirus.
The document asserted the Rio’s right to remove any players who are deemed “health hazards” at will- without any compensation beyond the player’s current standing in the event. They reserved the right to use their own discretion, later clarifying that they would essentially be sticking firmly to CDC guidelines.
After a fairly substantial amount of backlash- the organizers have made clear that competitors who are fully vaccinated need not worry about their place at the table should they be exposed to the illness.
“Consistent with current CDC guidelines, WSOP participants who are known to have been exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 will not be required to leave the tournament and quarantine if they are fully vaccinated within the appropriate timing parameters and remain asymptomatic since the time of exposure”
This will no doubt come as a relief to many players and fans- who expressed a variety of concerns when the WSOP first announced the rule.
People were worried that this level of COVID-19 security would be a burden on staff and players, leaving them in a position where they would be expected to act with a degree of medical knowledge they more than likely do not possess.
On top of the practical difficulties, the level of risk for those entering the tournament would be insanely high- if they could be removed, without any remuneration, for even the slightest hint of any potential health hazards.
The weight of that risk can now be nullified so long as participants are willing to comply with these terms- and also at no point show any coronavirus symptoms.
Six-time WSOP bracelet winner, Daniel Negreanu, provided further information about the organization’s somewhat revised stance on his Twitter account.
With no requirements for proof of vaccination, no on-site testing, and a system relying on participants (who have potentially millions of dollars at stake) voluntarily declaring they have COVID-19 - some fans have now expressed concerns that the event is headed for an outbreak.
“so the rule is just pretend there isn't an ongoing global pandemic?” one user responded.
“I will not be attending unless vaccine proof is a requirement” replied another.
Of course, not everyone was disappointed to hear this news. There is a large portion of the community that views COVID-19 regulations as infringements on their civil liberties. This group seemed quite pleased to discover the slightly more relaxed approach the WSOP seems to be taking.
One user commented: “Glad to hear it. If you don’t believe your vaccine has worked; avoid it if you’re concerned. I’m Pro-vaccine but very much against compulsory vaccination...”
There is certainly an argument to be made on both sides of the coin. No matter what position you may take- I’m sure we can all agree that we hope things all go smoothly at the upcoming event and that the safety of all participants is ensured.
