Southern Illinois increases restrictions due to 11.5% positivity rate

Beginning Wednesday, November 11, our neighbors across the I-24 bridge will face further restrictions due to the 11.5% positivity rate for positive coronavirus cases in southern Illinois. Based on Governor J.B. Pritzker's tier system to Restore Illinois, southern Illinois will revert back to phase two in order to fight the spread of COVID-19. Communities in southern Illinois, including Massac County and counties further north will have to hunker down and do their part until the positivity rate declines. 

The new restrictions will affect businesses such as Fat Edd's Roadhouse and Cordavinos,  bar service, and casinos. As the pandemic continues to sweep through our area, the governor believes this is the best course of action. Here are the new restrictions for the phase two plan:

Bars
All bars close at 11 pm and may reopen no earlier than 6 am the following day              No indoor service
All bar patrons should be seated at tables outside
No ordering, seating or congregating at bar (bar stools removed)
Tables should be six feet apart
No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a tables
No dancing or standing indoors
Reservations required for each party
No seating of multiple parties at one table
Restaurants
All restaurants close at 11 pm  and may reopen no earlier than 6 am the following day
No indoor dining or bar service
Tables should be six feet apart
No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
Reservations required for each party
No seating of multiple parties at one table 
Social Gatherings
Applicable to professional, cultural and social group gatherings
Not applicable to students participating in-person classroom learning, sports or polling places
This does not reduce the overall facility capacity dictated by general business guidance (office, retail, etc.)
No party buses
Gaming and casinos close at 11 pm and are limited to 25 percent capacity

The phased plan will limit gatherings to 10 people or less both indoors and outside. It will reduce the table sizes in restaurants and bars to six people, still limited to outdoor dining.