Horse racing in the state of Ohio has been given permission to return on May 22, although spectators won't be allowed to attend races.
In addition to not allowing spectators, tracks reopening will be required to follow a number of safety measures meant to encourage physical distancing. The announcement was made by Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted during the state's daily press briefing to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) on Thursday.
Ohio's last thoroughbred race was held on March 18 at the Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course.
As of Thursday, Ohio has 26,357 confirmed and probable positive coronavirus cases, including 4,718 hospitalizations, 1,268 ICU admissions and 1,534 deaths. Dating back to the discovery of the state's first coronavirus case on March 9, DeWine has put a number of measures in place to encourage physical distancing, including the state's first stay-at-home order on March 23.
On May 1, Ohio began the process of reopening its economy, with most industries having now been given permission to reopen by the end of the month.
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