COLUMBUS – Governor Mike DeWine announced Tuesday that county and independent fairs that open on or after Friday will be reduced to junior fair events like livestock exhibitions going forward for this year.
DeWine calls the decision difficult but says it’s clear fairs can’t go on normally because of the coronavirus.
Junior fair livestock competitions and 4-H and Future Farmers of America competitions for kids and teenagers may continue as planned as long as junior fair organizers develop a plan that reduces crowding in barns, such as limiting entrance to only the immediate family of those actively showing their animals or projects, DeWine said.
A 10:00 p.m. curfew will also be instituted for the barns, buildings, and midways.
His announcement allows harness racing without spectators but prohibits rides, games and grandstand events.
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The Columbus Italian Festival, scheduled for Oct. 9-11, has been canceled due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
The Columbus Italian Festival Board cited the demands of social distancing, safety and financial responsibility as the reasons behind its decision.
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The state reported 1,396 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 Wednesday for a total of 87,893 with 10,553 hospitalizations, a daily increase of 128, and 3,422 deaths.