St. Louis Metro East enacts more restrictive guidelines, including shutting down all indoor dining

Earlier this month, on Friday, Oct. 9, the state of Illinois eased restrictions in Region 4 (St. Clair, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, Washington and Bond counties), restoring indoor dining and removing mandated closing times for bars and restaurants. After a prolonged period of increased Covid cases, the state has reversed the order and has suspended indoor dining, among other things, as of today, Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 12:01 a.m. 

An executive order from governor J.B. Pritzker stated that the current spread of Covid-19 saw “three consecutive days averaging greater than or equal to an 8% positivity rate,” triggering new levels of mitigation.  

Among the restrictions was an order that all restaurants and bars need to close at 11 p.m. and cannot open before 6 a.m. Furthermore, all restaurants and bars must suspend indoor dining and all outdoor tables need to be space at least six feet apart. Multiple parties cannot dine at the same table; standing on the premises while waiting for a table is prohibited.  

The order also said that all parties must have reservations, “even if made on-site, so that the restaurant or bar has contact information to reach every party for contact tracing if needed.”