The Bethel Veterans of Foreign Wars building has closed its doors to bingo and pull-tab sales for the next two weeks. The nonprofits that run the events made the decision as a precaution amid the coronavirus pandemic to protect employees and the public.
"At this point," said VFW building manager Michael Calvetti, "we’re looking at community wellness being more important than having something that will raise us money."
The bingo and pull-tab closure begins March 16 and tentatively runs through March 30. Calvetti says that the closure could extend, depending on the pandemic’s circumstances. The VFW building will remain open to card-carrying members. Calvetti says that there are no events planned in the building, and he doesn’t expect more than three people inside at a time.
The nonprofits who operate bingo and pull-tabs are KYUK, Bethel Lions Club, Bethel Community Services Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
“We were all under the same thought process,” Calvetti said, “that it's better to close for a couple weeks than have someone come in and infect people.”
