Pritzker Tightens Coronavirus Restrictions For Illinois Casinos In St. Louis Metro

Restrictions at some Illinois casinos have resurfaced in response to a recent increase in good COVID – 19 tests. There may be additional mitigation measures after the new procedures are implemented for the following two weeks.

Several companies in the Metro East region, also known as Region 4, have to deal with additional restrictions in a bid to halt the spread of the coronavirus. This region includes casinos in East St. Louis and Alton.

Casino regulations in New Illinois for Region 4

People living in Illinois should be aware that currently, these restrictions are solely applicable to the Metro East area. This region comprises the following counties in Illinois:

• Bond
• Clinton
• Madison
• Monroe
• Randolph
• Clair, St.
• Washington

The new restrictions come into force today (Aug. 18). They are set to end in two weeks from now, although this may change as the situation continues to evolve.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois Governor, JB Pritzker, imposed restrictions due to the fact that in the past three days, the rate of positivity and the number of positive tests (compared to the general population) have surpassed 8%.

The region will relax those restrictions when the optimism rate for 14 straight weeks is 6.5% or lower.

The Argosy Casino in Alton and the CasinoQueen in East St. Louis will be subject to the following restrictions until next:

Every day’s closing at 11 p.m.
• The fire code is receiving 25% power.
• Reservations are necessary for a domestic kitchen.
• Inside, a table can only accommodate six persons.
• Each table must be separated by at least six feet.
• Removal of barstools to prevent overcrowding.
• Do not loiter, either indoors or outdoors.

That regulation, in addition to current ones like the mandate for facemasks and temperature checks.

Before the state implemented these new restrictions, the Argosy and Casino Queen had the liberty to operate at 50% capacity and keep their usual hours.

However, these restrictions won’t just impact Illinois games. For example, group car services are currently not allowed to operate.

Should the current state-wide trends persist, they are unlikely to undergo swift changes. Additionally, Region 4 may not be the only one in this situation.

Different regions of Illinois fumble with the same limitations.

Region 5, the most southeastern part of the state, noted a COVID-19 positivity rate of 7.3% on August 14. While Region 3’s latest positivity rate stood at 6.2%, it has been witnessing a continuous rise for the past three days.

Given that Region 3 is situated directly above Region 4, it can be inferred that the areas bordering Region 4 are likely to have similar restrictions.

Pritzker and the IDPH have made it clear what actions Illinois residents can take to boost the numbers. The IDPH Director, Ngozi Ezike, stated:

“As anticipated during the reopening of Illinois, we’ve noticed an increase in cases, more visits to the emergency department, and other indications of the virus spreading in the community. Region 4 was the first among the 11 areas to meet the surge criteria. However, we expect it to be the last. Our goal is to curb the spread by implementing more countermeasures such as reducing indoor capacity and limiting operating hours. These steps will help curb the rise in cases, illnesses, and deaths in various parts of the state, including the Metro East.”

Ideally, the period of stricter restrictions won’t endure for an extended period. Until that time, the continuous presence of the pandemic will persistently remind casino goers in Alton and East St. Louis.