Coeur d’Alene Casino partially reopens

| April 28, 2020 10:12 AM

WORLEY, Idaho (AP) — The Coeur d’Alene Casino has reopened some of its restaurants with social distancing efforts in place and face mask requirements.

KREM reports the tribal casino closed on March 20, five days before Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced a statewide stay-at-home order. The order is set to expire on May 1.

All casino employees kept their jobs, wages and benefits during the closure, though only essential employees continued to come to work.

Heather Keen, a spokesperson for the casino, said some restaurants are open with enhanced cleaning protocols and reduced seating capacity.

“Notably different than other businesses currently operating, face masks or face coverings will be required for everyone on the casino property,” Keen said.

Neither the Coeur d’Alene Reservation or Benewah County have had any confirmed COVID-19 cases to date.

The Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council appointed a task force to plan for the phased reopening of the reservation and tribal entities. The group will regularly review local coronavirus data and trends and provide recommendations to the Tribal Council as the situation changes.