COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine announced that zoos, theaters, playgrounds and other indoor and outdoor facilities can reopen June 10.
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The governor’s directive on Thursday also applies to country clubs, museums, laser tag facilities and roller skating and ice skating rinks.
The entertainment venues listed here may open beginning June 10th if they are able to follow the #ResponsibleRestartOhio Retail, Consumer, Service & Entertainment Guidelines and other applicable additional guidance: https://t.co/WKT0ZfS630#StaySafeOhio#InThisTogehterOhio pic.twitter.com/GiUzT9SIwt
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) June 4, 2020
DeWine said the openings must be accompanied by appropriate sanitation measures and social distancing procedures.
“The threat of COVID-19 remains and while it’s our responsibility to keep each other safe, business owners and employees should do their part to ensure customers visit safely, by cleaning and sanitizing surfaces regularly,” he said.
The facilities have been closed for weeks as part of the state’s stay-at-home orders to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will open for zoo members June 12, 13, and 14, and for the general public on June 15. The zoo will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Zoombezi Bay will open for season pass holders and Gold Members June 19-21, and all guests starting on June 22. Visitors will need a dated, timed ticket so park officials recommend making advance reservations for those dates starting on June 9.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will reopen on June 13.
The governor has yet to address mass gatherings like concerts and sporting events.
The state on Friday reported 476 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, bringing the current total to 37,758 with 2,355 deaths, an increase of 16 in the last 24 hours.
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The Republican-controlled Ohio Senate has rejected proposals by fellow Republicans in the House to require written consent for the state to track the spread of the coronavirus.
The House would have required in-writing permission before the Health Department could undertake what is known as contract tracing. This technique allows investigators to contact people who’ve been in close and recent proximity to someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
Senate Republicans joined by Democrats on Wednesday said the proposal went too far and could rule out people willing to allow the tracing but unable to sign a form.