CLEVELAND — It's been nearly one year since Ohio Governor Mike DeWine first enacted restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
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On Thursday, Gov. DeWine took a significant step toward reducing such restrictions, announcing new capacity limits for indoor and outdoor entertainment events, including sporting events.
According to DeWine, indoor entertainment events will now be permitted with a 25 percent venue capacity limit. Meanwhile, outdoor events will be capped at 30 percent of the venue's capacity. DeWine said earlier this week that he anticipated the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds would be permitted to host 30 percent capacity of their respective stadiums this season.
Additionally, DeWine said that masks will be mandatory for employees and customers at each event and that spectator pathways that allow for social distancing must be available. Seating pods -- which will each be separated by at least six feet -- will be restricted to six people per group, with it being recommended that those groups consist of people from the same household.
In regards to other events, including proms, banquet centers, wedding receptions, fairs, festivals, and parades, DeWine said that guidance will be coming soon. DeWine said that it is his hope that these capacity limits will continually increase as the state's COVID-19 numbers continue to decline and the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more readily available.
"Our pathway out of [the coronavirus pandemic], the bridge, is two things: Continue to wear masks and all of us get vaccinations," DeWine said on Thursday.