COLUMBUS – Tuesday is a big day in the gradual reopening of Ohio’s economy after a weeks-long shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state sees a rash of reopenings as the its economy continues to emerge from hibernation.
Gyms and fitness centers, recreation centers, swimming pools, miniature golf and bowling alleys will all be allowed to resume operations, following safety and health regulations.
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle offices will also reopen statewide, though officials ask motorists to use the online service “OPlates.com” as much as possible to avoid long lines and wait times as thousands of Ohioans renew driver’s licenses, take exams and conduct other essential business.
The operators of gyms, fitness centers and dance studios are required to limit capacity and seating, reduce class and space equipment to encourage customers and staff to social distance at least six feet apart, require hand-washing or sanitizing upon entering and have sanitizer available throughout the facility, clean and sanitize equipment between uses, clean and disinfect public areas and restrooms every two hours, discourage the use of locker rooms and disable saunas and steam rooms.
Chlorine causes the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 to be inactive but public swimming pool operators are still being required to post information throughout the pool and surrounding
areas to frequently remind swimmers and visitors to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease, such as staying home if they are sick, maintaining social distance of at least six feet or more between individuals in all areas of the pool and deck whenever possible.
Gathering in groups of different households are prohibited, swimmers should not stand, sit, or otherwise block walkways or narrow passage areas.
Pool operates must encourage face covering when entering buildings and encourage swimmers to practice good personal hygiene including washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer, refraining from touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, coughing and sneezing into an elbow, etc.
Pool operators are also required to maintain public restrooms and shower facilities to lower the risk of the spread of the virus.
The state on Tuesday reported 33,006 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio with 2,002 deaths.