Now back in Tier 2, Sauk Valley gaming parlors can open their doors once again

STERLING – Nearly 2 months ago, the gaming machines were turned off and the doors to places like Ellie’s Gaming Parlor were closed.

Back in November, rising COVID-19 numbers led Gov. J.B Pritzker to impose Tier 3 mitigations on businesses throughout the state. One of those mitigations meant turning out the lights on gaming.

But the numbers have been trending downward for a coupe of weeks, so parts of the state, including Region 1, which includes the Sauk Valley, are able to move into Tier 2. That means this morning, Ellie’s Gaming Parlor owner Michelle Martinez-Frank can open her doors at 1202 W. Fourth St. once again.

“We’ve kind of been anticipating it, because we’ve been watching the COVID numbers in our area and they’ve been going down, so that was a positive sign,” Martinez-Frank said Friday. “We knew it was coming down to the point to make sure our hospital numbers were in line.”

Gaming parlors will be using the same mitigations they were using before the doors closed in November. That meant spending the day Friday tidying up and disinfecting and making sure the signs were in place and paperwork was ready to go.

“I’ve been working here [Friday] at the shop and just trying to get everything ready for opening [Saturday],” Martinez-Frank said. “My phone has been ringing all day. That’s a very positive thing.”

In addition to gaming parlors, indoor fitness classes can resume operating at a limit of 10 people. Offices previously encouraged to have people work remotely can begin to reopen. Recreational activities involving 25 or fewer people can take place.

Other things will have to wait. Indoor dining at restaurants, for example, is not allowed until the region reaches Tier 1.