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 established to outline the phased opening of the reservation.
The task force comprises medical professionals, tribal leaders, and other stakeholders. Coeur d’Alene Casino closed its doors on 20 March. This was five days before Governor Brad Little announced a statewide stay-at-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 implemented several health precautions to minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission as gaming resumes. One of the requirements is that everyone on the property must wear a face mask. The casino will have limited facial coverings. Therefore, players and any other guests must come with their own masks. Strict social distancing will also be implemented.
To ensure the casino remains clean at all times, the cleaning crews are scheduled to clean the 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 been installed in certain areas of 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, located north of the tribal casino. Laura Stensgar, CEO of Coeur d’Alene Casino, said they have put a lot of effort into preparing for a safe reopening.
Their team collaborated with medical professionals to receive safety training and to outline social distancing protocols. Chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Ernie Stensgar, said they have a plan in place to protect lives during the reopening of the reservation. Some tribal casinos that were also closed due to the pandemic may start opening later in May.
