COVID Vaccine poll and why it's in Home Game (1 Viewer)

Are you confirming COVID vaccinations?

  • No

    Votes: 60 43.5%
  • Yes

    Votes: 46 33.3%
  • Hell no

    Votes: 33 23.9%
  • And I’m getting vaccinated

    Votes: 85 61.6%

  • Total voters
    138
I've got my first game back this coming saturday. I required everyone to send me proof of either being vaccinated, or that they tested positive and have recovered within the 3 month period before the game.

We've got 12 players so far. I mainly required the verification for my and my wife's comfort as these guys are coming into our home and we've got 3 boys under 12. I also figure that this way will help people be less nervous around each other for this. Nobody has had any problem with the verification requirement so far.

Can't wait to play some cards!
 
In my mind, it's much along the lines of my "no smoking in the house" rule. You can do what you want at home and elsewhere, but if you choose to come to my house and play in my game, you can't light up while you're here.

^ This is the most accurate analogy for any rule to any home game. Covid based or not ^

I posted in another thread about how Omaha went back to normal in-school back in Sept. The district my Wife & Son both work in have not had 1 school miss 1 day due to Covid. It Blows Me Away that in some states kids have never went back to school.

We stopped playing for about 6 weeks back in 2020 when this all started. Since that time I have hosted 3 table tourneys 4-6 times per month non stop, & most all the players I know in this area have been playing their regular games.

There is no one size fits all. What I see others doing is crazy, just as what they see I am doing is crazy to them. Your player pool will make their own expectations based on their own personal beliefs and what is going on in the community around them.
If my kids haven't been to school in a year and I worked from home and haven't been to a restaurant in a year I would be hard pressed to play in a home poker game. Same is true on the opposite side when schools and restaurants in your community have been wide open for 9 months, your players don't think much about requiring vaccination proof to play a game.

This thread is great to keep informed and have insight to others situations but for anyone to criticize someone for what they need for their group to function is just wrong.
 
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I was prepared to continue my monthly gaming days with my friends all through the entire pandemic.

They were not.

So it goes.
 
We have been playing since June of last year. We started at 5 max tables, and later moved it to 6 max. Everyone wears a mask, and we have taken additional precautions as well.

I will continue to recommend masks until I poll my players and find out if everyone has has the opportunity to get fully vaccinated. Once that happens, I'll make masks optional.

I will continue to keep the tables at 6 max until I see a notable and sustainable down-tick in new COVID cases.

This isn't about anyone's "personal beliefs". Science is a real thing. It is facts backed up by data. Distancing + masks + personal hygiene + the "common sence" of not going in public if you feel sick = reduced disease. I for one will be a little sad when masks go away completely, as this has been the longest run in my life without getting the flu, a sore throat, or even the common cold (much less COVID).

I agree we may never see COVID eradication, but we could see COVID elimination. It may take a few years to send COVID the way of Polio, Measles, Rubella or Smallpox (a vaccine that left a permanent scar) but once the bulk of the population sees that the vaccine is safe, only the tinfoil hat brigade will be left to allow COVID to fester and mutate.
 
I haven't read all the responses so if this is redundant I apologize.

In my games, the rule will be if you're unvaccinated a mask is required. But I won't be verifying vaccinations. I'm pretty selective on who gets an invite to the game, and I don't have anyone who would choose not to vaccinate and lie about it just to avoid wearing a mask.
 
I haven't read all the responses so if this is redundant I apologize.

In my games, the rule will be if you're unvaccinated a mask is required. But I won't be verifying vaccinations. I'm pretty selective on who gets an invite to the game, and I don't have anyone who would choose not to vaccinate and lie about it just to avoid wearing a mask.
Why require the unvaccinated to wear masks? I don’t want to be difficult; but I’m trying to wrap my head around the logic.

If the vaccinated are protected, the masks won’t matter. The unvaccinated would be at very low risk anyway among a group of mostly vaccinated people, and have obviously weighed the benefits and risks to make their decision.

I would demand ask anyone who is sick to stay home, but that was the practice before COVID.
 
Why require the unvaccinated to wear masks? I don’t want to be difficult; but I’m trying to wrap my head around the logic.

If the vaccinated are protected, the masks won’t matter. The unvaccinated would be at very low risk anyway among a group of mostly vaccinated people, and have obviously weighed the benefits and risks to make their decision.

I would demand ask anyone who is sick to stay home, but that was the practice before COVID.
Masks (according to people who say these things are true) protect the unvaccinated from one another.
 
Masks (according to people who say these things are true) protect the unvaccinated from one another.
Gotcha. That’s a fair point.

I played live at a casino last month. Masks required for all players. I wondered how much protection they actually offer as I watched players fiddle with their masks, eat and drink, let them slip down below their nose and sometimes mouth, then pass chips and cards back and forth across the table. I’m sure it offers some protection of someone is actually ill, but I personally doubt it’s significant, based on my observations.
 
My "personal belief" of the data is different than someone else's "personal belief" of the data - unfortunately.

A "'personal belief' of the data" is not a coherent concept. It's internally self-contradictory. The use of data to reach conclusions about the world is properly a purely rational process. While scientists can internally argue about what it is, the very nature of this category of discussion involves the existence of *a* correct interpretation.

From an untrained perspective, one can argue about the ethics of data collection or about the policy implications of scientific conclusions. But not the factual implications.

From a trained perspective, one can criticize the precision or nature of the data measurement or the process of arriving at conclusions. If someone wants to have a credible voice on these matters, then they should get a science degree; that's typically how one acquires the necessary training.

Absent these specific criticisms, people in general who cast aspersions on the science process are simply making "anti-science noise." It's disturbingly effective in hobbling the use of science in our lives. It's just interfering with those who perform the scientific process which is the most effective way of making humans more knowledgeable.

And, to get back on topic, we've been playing for a few weeks now. A strong majority of us are vaccinated (or have had it) and the rest will be vaccinated in short order. While we haven't checked people's cards or anything, many of us are science faculty, so we're aware of the immense historical positive impact of vaccines. I'm not in biology/medicine, so always appreciative of those folks trying to save us morons from ourselves AGAIN. I don't have to worry too much about it, but it might be weird to hang out with people who were actively irrational in any case.
 
There is really no requirements other than our standard rules that was in place pre covid. That is stay home if you are not feeling well. If you come wash your hands

Note that I live in a small town and play with the same 5-8 guys every week, year round.

I honestly don’t see how the risk is any greater than going to Walmart, Costco, restaurants or any public place where the surfaces / products have gone through countless people.

It’s either you take the risk by playing or stay home. Many have opt to stay home and I respect their opinion 100%
 
Well rude, I just received notice that my appointment was automatically cancelled, guess I am back on the hunt :(.

Not sure if this a nationwide, but my local Walmart announced a "Waste Avoidance" list a couple months back (to use up leftover doses at the end of the day). I was not on the "eligible" list at the time, so I called around noon one day to get on the list and they called me in 4 hours later for my first dose!

Worth a call to your local Walmart pharmacy if you are having trouble getting a shot.
 
Not sure if this a nationwide, but my local Walmart announced a "Waste Avoidance" list a couple months back (to use up leftover doses at the end of the day). I was not on the "eligible" list at the time, so I called around noon one day to get on the list and they called me in 4 hours later for my first dose!

Worth a call to your local Walmart pharmacy if you are having trouble getting a shot.
Thanks I did get rescheduled for tomorrow through a state event. Hopefully, that's not the shots that turn me into a robot.
 
I don’t think it’s about believing the science or one's personal beliefs. It’s about trusting the folks compiling/presenting the science and data.

Sometime during the early 2000s, Billy Joel held a concert once and said, "we're going to play all night and take a few breaks, During the breaks, you can ask me anything you want. I won't answer questions about money or Christy. Anything else is fair game."

One fan asked, "You've been playing since the 70s. This place tonight is packed. How have you remained so relevant through the decades?"

Billy Joel (I'm paraphrasing): "I'm not a great singer. I do ok. There are certainly better, but I'm a competent song writer. I don't consider myself a pianist. I punch keys and am a competent entertainer. But in a world of incompetence, this makes me exceptional."

I understand folks have certain conditions, or children of a young age, which will impact their decision regarding COVID, and I understand/respect their decision, but I'm sitting this one out.
 
The restrictions in our area currently prevent an indoor game, including garages. What we can do however is play outside on a patio, with Household + 10 allowed to gather on private residences. We provide sanitizer, and a box of masks, some use masks, some don't. Probably about half of our regulars have received vaccination; and believe the majority of the others will as able. Would anticipate all but a few (Of players coming through our game) will have been vaccinated by the end of summer. There is understanding, and respect in our area for what vaccines are intended to do.
 
First off, empathy to other hosts!

I still haven't sent my email to my group yet. Got my second shot this AM, so feel like it's time. For other hosts struggling, here's the meat of what I think I'm going to send - for context, I have a couple anti-vax/wait and see then vax later types.

Not looking for feedback, simply sharing for those of you who still haven't started up and aren't sure how and are looking for another data point.

"
I'm going to host a .25/.50 cash game - NHLE/PLO rotation every orbit, XXXXXXXXXXXX (in mid May)

Couple of stipulations though, as you can imagine:
  • I'm only hosting vaccinated players, at least for the first couple games. I have young children at home as you know who are not able to be vaccinated and want to limit risk. I'm not going to be asking for proof, just 'scouts honor' on this one. I respect the decisions you are each personally making on this but am also asking that you respect mine.
  • I won't be ordering shared food/providing shared snacks, again at least for the first few games.
  • I have not yet decided if I'll require masks.
"
 
First off, empathy to other hosts!

I still haven't sent my email to my group yet. Got my second shot this AM, so feel like it's time. For other hosts struggling, here's the meat of what I think I'm going to send - for context, I have a couple anti-vax/wait and see then vax later types.

Not looking for feedback, simply sharing for those of you who still haven't started up and aren't sure how and are looking for another data point.

"
I'm going to host a .25/.50 cash game - NHLE/PLO rotation every orbit, XXXXXXXXXXXX (in mid May)

Couple of stipulations though, as you can imagine:
  • I'm only hosting vaccinated players, at least for the first couple games. I have young children at home as you know who are not able to be vaccinated and want to limit risk. I'm not going to be asking for proof, just 'scouts honor' on this one. I respect the decisions you are each personally making on this but am also asking that you respect mine.
  • I won't be ordering shared food/providing shared snacks, again at least for the first few games.
  • I have not yet decided if I'll require masks.
"
Good stuff. I like the mention of kids at home, I will probably steal that.

You might want to decide on the mask rule before you send. Otherwise you'll end up in several email debates with mask experts.
 
First off, empathy to other hosts!

I still haven't sent my email to my group yet. Got my second shot this AM, so feel like it's time. For other hosts struggling, here's the meat of what I think I'm going to send - for context, I have a couple anti-vax/wait and see then vax later types.

Not looking for feedback, simply sharing for those of you who still haven't started up and aren't sure how and are looking for another data point.

"
I'm going to host a .25/.50 cash game - NHLE/PLO rotation every orbit, XXXXXXXXXXXX (in mid May)

Couple of stipulations though, as you can imagine:
  • I'm only hosting vaccinated players, at least for the first couple games. I have young children at home as you know who are not able to be vaccinated and want to limit risk. I'm not going to be asking for proof, just 'scouts honor' on this one. I respect the decisions you are each personally making on this but am also asking that you respect mine.
  • I won't be ordering shared food/providing shared snacks, again at least for the first few games.
  • I have not yet decided if I'll require masks.
"
Agree with Craig on the mask rule - better decide before you send the note. If you decided everyone has to be masked, then fine. If you say masks are not required, I would add that you're perfectly happy if people want to wear them.

You could also add "my wife and I want to limit risk" to your young children just to drive home the fact that it's in your family home and not the country club.
 
Something else for hosts to consider as more and more people get back to playing. If/when you drop the requirement for masks, adding a quick note like "you are more than welcome to continue wearing a mask if it makes you more comfortable" can go a long way in easing some folks anxiety about returning to a game. We as a society have been going everywhere for 13+ months completely masked up, it's going to take a while for some to feel comfortable NOT wearing a mask in a group setting.

I had a game this past weekend, first one in a long time where I didn't require masks. I included a note similar to the above, and got a side note from one of my players saying "hey thanks for that". I told him he'd sooner get teased for wearing sunglasses than a mask ;) We have at least 2 in the group (myself included) that are waiting for their 2nd shot, so I asked anyone who wasn't fully vaccinated yet (or who hadn't got COVID in the past few months) to consider donning a mask for the benefit of those still waiting their turn. Most in the group are already fully vaccinated - and everyone wore them. I had a chat with a few guys during some breaks, and there's such a hesitancy to go without them (in general), for a variety of reasons. Some are apprehensive about getting yelled at (mask shaming is ridiculous here in Jersey), other don't want to make other uncomfortable, and others are still just not 100% comfortable with being "exposed" yet - despite being vaccinated. It's still a bit of a mind fuck for a lot of people, and it'll take some time for them to re-adjust back to any sense of "normal".
 
Good stuff. I like the mention of kids at home, I will probably steal that.

You might want to decide on the mask rule before you send. Otherwise you'll end up in several email debates with mask experts.
Figured it was the best way to avoid debates on the vaccine - harder to argue when you invoke children!

And good feedback on the mask decision.
 
Something else for hosts to consider as more and more people get back to playing. If/when you drop the requirement for masks, adding a quick note like "you are more than welcome to continue wearing a mask if it makes you more comfortable" can go a long way in easing some folks anxiety about returning to a game. We as a society have been going everywhere for 13+ months completely masked up, it's going to take a while for some to feel comfortable NOT wearing a mask in a group setting.

I had a game this past weekend, first one in a long time where I didn't require masks. I included a note similar to the above, and got a side note from one of my players saying "hey thanks for that". I told him he'd sooner get teased for wearing sunglasses than a mask ;) We have at least 2 in the group (myself included) that are waiting for their 2nd shot, so I asked anyone who wasn't fully vaccinated yet (or who hadn't got COVID in the past few months) to consider donning a mask for the benefit of those still waiting their turn. Most in the group are already fully vaccinated - and everyone wore them. I had a chat with a few guys during some breaks, and there's such a hesitancy to go without them (in general), for a variety of reasons. Some are apprehensive about getting yelled at (mask shaming is ridiculous here in Jersey), other don't want to make other uncomfortable, and others are still just not 100% comfortable with being "exposed" yet - despite being vaccinated. It's still a bit of a mind fuck for a lot of people, and it'll take some time for them to re-adjust back to any sense of "normal".
I held the first indoor game with no mask requirement last week. All 8 of us have had at least one shot, most of us with both shots. One of the guys still masked up, no one even batted an eye at it.

When I expand to two tables in May, I will make mention of masks not required, but feel free to wear one for your own comfort.

Good idea.
 
No I don't think I will, but that's because I'm holding off on a game until the numbers are <= 200 per day (7-day average) in my state, which is roughly the "high water mark" before the last big spike up. So when we hit that magic <=200 number, it kind of signifies the spike is over. I don't know, at least it's something!

That said, of the 9, I know at least 2 of my planned players will be fully vaccinated, and 2 others will be at least partially vaccinated. I'm not sure on the other 4...good chance at least some of them will be fully or partially vaccinated, just haven't chatted with them for a bit. Also I'll be doing temperature checks at the door, and of course, if people want to wear a mask, they aren't banned. I'll have a few hand sanitizers floating around, and sadly am not planning much for food due to SARS-CoV-2.

Any word on when Pfizer and/or Moderna will be applying for BLA? I'm surprised they haven't yet, as it phase 2/3 trials started well over 6 months ago, so they should meet the "6 months of data" required by the FDA.
 
Well, I finally sent my email. Already got a snarky response from one of my anti-vax types that he wants his per game league prize pool contribution back if these rules are still in place when we have our championship (I'm doing our league tourneys online for the next couple of months still). I just told him we'd cross that bridge if and when we get there.

Sigh.
 
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Well, I finally sent my email. Already got a snarky response from one of my anti-vax types thay he wants his per game league prize pool contribution back if these rules are still in place when we have our championship (I'm doing our league tourneys online for the next couple of months still). I just told him we'd cross that bridge if and when we get there.

Sigh.

I take it you landed on "masks required?"
 
Well, I finally sent my email. Already got a snarky response from one of my anti-vax types thay he wants his per game league prize pool contribution back if these rules are still in place when we have our championship (I'm doing our league tourneys online for the next couple of months still). I just told him we'd cross that bridge if and when we get there.

Sigh.
While I don't think I would ask for this, it doesn't seem like an unreasonable request IF the rules changed in the middle of the season as far as what was required to play, etc.
 

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