Sections of Metro East will ease coronavirus restrictions today

According to Illinois’ Phase 4 safety guidelines, Region 4, which encompasses many Metro East counties, will have some eased restrictions starting at 5 p.m. today, Friday, Oct. 9, most notably allowing indoor dining again. Region 4 includes St. Clair, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, Washington and Bond counties. 

“The big message that the Illinois Department of Public Health and governor’s office wanted to relay was that they were really pleased with team St. Clair and St. Clair County getting the numbers down from high in the 10s to now being 6-and-a-half percent and below for the past three days,” an official with St. Clair County said this morning in a press conference. “They were as excited as we were when they announced that they are going to be letting up on the mitigation requirements that were instituted a few weeks ago.” 

Among the eased requirements is that bars and restaurants no longer have mandated closing times, indoor dining is restored (tables can have up to 10 people and must be placed at least six feet apart), and standing capacity is raised to 25%. Bars can use barstools again. 

Additionally, social gatherings and meetings are allowed at up to 50% capacity or for 50 guests, whichever is less.