Coeur d’Alene Tribe to reopen in phases

PLUMMER — The Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council is beginning the process of re-opening the reservation.

“The health and safety of our community is always our highest priority,” said Ernie Stensgar, chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

Neither the Coeur d’Alene Reservation nor Benewah County have had any confirmed COVID-19 cases to date.

Stensgar said based on local trends and the consistently low number of confirmed cases in the region, “we believe we can safely start to reopen the reservation.”

The Tribe plans a limited opening of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel on Monday. The Casino will reopen to the general public on May 1.

Other tribal entities and facilities will also begin their phased reopenings. Enhanced safety measures will be in place including physical distancing, aggressive cleaning and sanitation guidelines, and mandatory face covering protocols to protect the health and safety of all patrons and employees.

“We have put a lot of thought and effort into preparing to re-open in the safest way possible. Our team has worked with the medical professionals at Marimn Health to put together safety training for our employees and to outline social distancing and cleaning and sanitations protocols consistent with CDC recommendations,” said Coeur d’Alene Casino Chief Executive Officer Laura Stensgar.

The Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council appointed a task force to plan for the reopening of the reservation and tribal entities.

The group has created guidelines for a phased opening on the reservation based on local COVID-19 trends and data.

The plan is also consistent with reopening guidelines released by the federal government.

Patrons can expect to see some changes throughout the property to protect the health of all guests and employees:

• Significant social distancing efforts including but not limited to, reduced and distanced seating at all restaurants and lounges, and every other gaming machine will be powered off to ensure physical distance between patrons.

• Plexiglas barriers have been installed in key locations across the property.

• Face masks or face coverings will be required for everyone on the Casino property.

• All concerts and large events have been rescheduled to later dates

• Ongoing enhanced cleaning measures will include closing the casino from 3–7 a.m. daily for deep cleaning