Governor announces new restrictions on Metro East region

Posted on August 18, 2020
Gov. JB Pritzker during a press briefing on Monday. (Neil Doyle/WJBC)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The coronavirus numbers in the St. Louis area are too high for Gov. JB Pritzker’s liking. And he’s ratcheting up the restrictions in the Metro East.

That’s because the positivity rate of the region across the Mississippi River from St Louis has risen to eight percent. Bars, restaurants and casinos will bear the brunt of the tightened restrictions.

Gatherings will be limited to 25 people or 25 percent of capacity, whichever is less. They’ll close at 11 p.m. And bar stools will not be allowed.

And Pritzker says there could be even more …

“Although we are imposing Tier One mitigations, now, we could be just a step away from additional mitigation if things don’t turn around in the next two weeks,” Pritzker said in East St Louis Monday. “That could include the closure of indoor bars and dining.”

Lifting the latest restrictions would require a 6.5 percent positivity rate.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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