‘Test and go’ at Gauselmann arcades

The 400 German arcades under the Gauslemann Group’s Merkur brand, is instituting a “test briefly, then play” campaign at its venues.

The company, operating under Merkur Spiel, is readying for the end of the lockdown in Germany and has put into effect strict hygiene protocols, but is also offering voluntary and free snap tests for guests.

Kieter Kuhlmann, board member and head of the operating division, said: “If we are allowed to reopen – hopefully soon – not only our employees but also our guests should be protected against infections as well as possible so that they can enjoy their leisure time without a care. That is why we will be offering our guests free corona rapid tests.

”Different test variants have already been pre-ordered so that they are available as quickly as possible.”

He added: “In our extensive branches, a guest comes to an average of at least 20sq.m of floor space, usually even more.” In addition, the legally prescribed minimum distance between the devices automatically ensures the minimum distance for infection protection when playing. Partition walls are set up where the distance between the guests cannot be maintained.

“The large rooms and the legally required distances between the gaming machines turn out to be a real blessing in Covid times,” said Kuhlmann.

“And high-performance ventilation systems do the rest to virtually rule out the risk of infection.” The legal ban on alcohol in gambling halls will also prove to be an effective means of preventing infection.