DeWine closes schools, bans gatherings larger than 100 people

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COLUMBUS – Governor Mike DeWine is closing the state’s schools for three weeks and has ordered a ban on gatherings of more than 100 people as precautions against the spread of the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the state reported a fifth person has tested positive for the virus.

The Ohio Department of Health call center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to answer questions regarding COVID-19 at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

Click here for the latest information from the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The governor acknowledged the hardships and disruptions that the school closure will create but he says he’s relying on medical advice that the move is necessary to help limit the spread of the virus.

The state’s public, private and charter schools will be on an “extended spring break” for three weeks beginning after the school day on March 16. The order does not apply to daycare centers or home-based childcare providers.

The ban applies to indoor and outdoor gathering events that brings together 100 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall or theater. It also include parades, fairs, and festivals.

It makes several exceptions, including gatherings for religious services, airports, hospitals, shopping malls, restaurants, retail stores, and offices, DeWine said.

In response to the order, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts suspended all events and performances scheduled at the Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, Southern Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, McCoy Center for the Arts, and Riffe Center Theatre Complex through at least April 5.

Sporting events will be allowed but must be played without spectators. Earlier, several leagues and organizations, including the NHL, the Big Ten Conference and the Ohio High School Athletic Association announced they were canceling their tournaments or suspending their seasons.

To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus:
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds often with soap and water.
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
-Source: Ohio Dept. of Health/CDC

Cancellations were already sweeping across Ohio after DeWine’s previous warning to avoid mass gatherings hit home.

Among the biggest was Ohio State University’s cancellation of the annual spring football scrimmage on April 11.

Most people recover from the coronavirus. Click here for more facts

Cincinnati canceled its Findlay Market Opening Day Parade on March 26, a 100-year tradition on the Reds’ opening day. The Cleveland Orchestra canceled three concerts scheduled for this week. Schools across the state canceled concerts and other school performances.

The Ohio Department of Health website reported Thursday afternoon that a fifth case of the COVID-19 coronavirus had been confirmed in the state and that laboratory results are pending on 52 people weho have been tested for the virus. Tests on 30 individuals have come back negative.

The newest case involves a 55-year-old Trumbull County man who has been hospitalized and who had not traveled outside Ohio, DeWine said.

Health director Dr. Amy Acton said at least 1 percent of Ohio’s population hasd probably contracted the disease and she expects the outbreak to peak in late April or mid-May.

In the coming days, the Department of Health will update its current order banning visitors from nursing and assisted living homes.