Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene Casino is scheduled to reopen on 1 May. The Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council says this will not happen without stringent safety measures. The Council will begin reopening the reservation in phases starting with the casino. A local task force was created to outline what the phased opening of the reservation would like.
The task force is made up of medical professionals, tribal leaders, and others. Coeur d’Alene Casino closed its doors on 20 March. This was five days before Governor Brad Little announced a statewide stay home order. The opening of the Idaho casino is the start of casinos resuming operations following COVID-19 closures.
Safety Measures Put in Place at Coeur d’Alene Casino
The casino has arranged for a number of health precautions to limit the risk of spreading coronavirus as gaming resumes. One of the requirements requires everyone on the property to wear face masks. The casino will have limited facial coverings. Therefore, players or any other guests will have to come with their own masks. Strict social distancing will also be implemented.
To ensure that the casino is clean at all times, the casino crews are set to clean restrooms every hour. Sanitization of touched surfaces and gaming machines will happen regularly during all shifts. Extra sanitizer will also be stationed across the gaming floor. Players can also expect increased distance at the games, restaurants, and lounges. Plexiglass barriers have also been put up in some locations within the casino.
Final Thought
No coronavirus cases have been reported within the Coeur d’Alene Reservation. Fifty-nine cases of coronavirus were reported in Kootenai County, which is north of where to tribal casino is located. CEO of Coeur d’Alene Casino, Laura Stensgar, said they have a lot of effort into preparing for a safe reopening.
Their team worked with medical professionals for safety training and outlining social distancing. Chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Ernie Stensgar, said they have a plan that will protect lives during the reopening of the reservation. Some tribal casinos that were also closed from the pandemic may start opening later in May.
