Latin America – Coronavirus impacts severely on the region
Premature reopening has created even greater danger of contagion
The news we receive from Latin America shows little respite as the pandemic advances relentlessly in almost every country and brings increasing misery everywhere on political, economic and social grounds. Except for a few exceptions most of us are in the same dodgy boat and battling hard to keep it afloat.
There is no political leadership in the US and as most countries see Uncle Sam as the shining light to follow, they are living the sad blind man country analogy where One-eyed Jack is king. There are many one-sided visionaries in charge of countries from Brazil to Bolivia, where they obsequiously seek to follow President Trump’s egotist, anti-scientific regurgitations.
The overall problem resides in the lack of knowledge about COVID-19 and the measures to slow its spread it until a vaccine is found to control the virus. Taking almost no notice of global experts in immunology, some governments have taken limited measures to protect people against the pandemic, beginning with closure of public places, social distancing of two meters, masks, and responsible hygiene, being seen as measures to stop the spread of the virus. However, reopening businesses and improving personal economies have seen countries like the U.S. filled with infection and the resultant deaths.
We were guardedly glad, although a bit reticent, when casinos began to reopen in Las Vegas like in other cities that had already reopened, but such premature actions have created situations with an even greater danger of contagion. Global pandemic figures increase and the frightening picture shows: 15.7 million contagions, 9 million recovered, and 640 thousand deaths, as of July 25.
Latin America has not been very different from the U.S., where coronavirus death has already passed 144,000. With much more limited social economic support programs, which do not reach those most in need, plus the opening of popular local markets for the essential subsistence of the poor, the region has recorded some 120 thousand deaths in Brazil, Peru, Chile and Colombia.
In this scenario, casino and slot business operators in the region are looking for directives to reopen their business to the public. While the industry is well versed on safety and hygiene protocols, public attendance is somewhat unknown and some fear that attendance may not yield the revenues needed to help support the economies of some businesses that operate with limited resources.
In view of all the above, the organizers of G2E Las Vegas have cancelled this year’s October event and have joined the long list of interactive events that address industry issues and their development in such a devastating landscape. Indeed, all live industry events with guest and visitor attendance in the world have been cancelled for the remainder of the year.
One of the events that still might take place is PGS for December in Lima, based on information we had several weeks ago. Although there is nothing new on the matter, its presentation is unlikely owing to the expected spread of contagion in this country. In the meantime, we follow regional events to see how events pan out till December.
