Image by Joel Mott

Illinois Clamps Down On Casinos After Covid-19 Cases Upturn

Article by : Helen Sep 2, 2020

• 
• 

Updated: Nov 13, 2023

It seems that the United States has set another anti-record for new cases of coronavirus. Last week, the Department of Health reported 39,327 new Covid-19 cases per day. These figures were able to surpass the previous record of 38,115 patients, obtained a day earlier.

Against the background of a similar situation, the Illinois Gaming Board has already rushed to announce that some state regions will witness stricter measures. These steps aim at preventing surges in disease. According to data released in a report by the Illinois Department of Public Health, districts such as Metro East and Northeastern Illinois have significantly exceeded the threshold for tolerable cases. These areas should immediately introduce additional precautions to ensure the safety of residents. Earlier it was reported that the acceptable threshold for new diseases could be no more than 8%. Exceeding this indicator is the primary reason for introducing additional restrictive measures to combat Covid-19.

This is not the first time Metro East has witnessed tighter restrictions due to the increase in the number of coronavirus infection cases. A sharp jump in the number of diseases has already been recorded in this area at the beginning of August. Regarding specific steps, the state said that gambling establishments could open their doors only from 8.00 to 23.00. The number of visitors will also be limited: the maximum load cannot exceed 25%. These measures became mandatory on August 26. Moreover, casinos should also stop selling food and drinks and oblige all visitors and staff to wear protective face masks.

A similar limitation also applies to all licensed operators that offer video game services in Northeast Illinois. The casinos will be able to function exclusively from 8.00 to 23.00. The restrictions also affected the ban on the sale of drinks and food in gambling halls. For their part, casino operators must ensure that all customers wear face masks and restrict slot machines’ access. No more than one player can spin the casino machine now.

Operators who provide video game services in Metro East will operate exclusively from 8.00 to 23.00. Starting from September 1, gambling establishments in Illinois will not sell food and drinks in gambling halls. Such restrictions should continue until there is a real improvement in the situation or a direct order from the state authorities. Regulators have pledged to monitor the level of coronavirus infection in Metro East. If the rate of new cases falls to 6.5% or less, then the limits may be revised. If the numbers continue to remain above 8%, the state may impose more stringent restrictive measures.

The overall situation with Covid-19 in the US still looks pessimistic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of people infected with coronavirus maybe 10 times higher than official figures. This is mainly because the population does not seek to get tested in case of Covid-19 slightest symptoms.

Some politicians’ desire to revive the country’s economy without taking clear security measures may be one of the main reasons for the surge in new cases. However, some states are showing declines in new cases of Covid-19 infection.

President Trump said the media should actively promote the idea of ​​universal testing. Only in this way will the state get a real picture of what is happening in the country and take active measures to combat the coronavirus. It seems that in the future, land-based casinos may face even stricter quarantine worlds, which may leave some participants behind. In any case, most of the experienced casinos cut staff and other expenditures to save the business.