Two new state health orders increase the number of people allowed in arenas, stadiums, theaters, wedding venues and catering facilities as Ohio sees more favorable COVID-19 numbers.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced the revised restrictions Thursday. The orders, signed by Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud, took effect at 12:01 p.m. Tuesday.
Under the first order, indoor venues are capped at 25% of fixed, seated capacity and outdoor venues are capped at 30%. This applies to stadiums, arenas, theaters and other entertainment venues.
All other COVID-19 rules in effect since May remain in place, such as additional cleaning and requiring face coverings for employees and patrons. The new order also says indoor venues are expected to use filtration systems of MERV 13 or higher "as soon as practicably possible."
Health order on gatherings
A separate order continues a prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people outside of a single residence where they live.
The order lifts the capacity limit on restaurants, caterers and banquet halls ahead of prom, graduation and wedding season. A June 2020 order set a limit of 300 guests, as long as tables and groups of guests could be spaced at least 6 feet apart.
Such venues are no longer limited to 300 people, as long as all of the industry COVID-19 guidance in previous orders can be followed. Dancing, billiard tables and other entertainment are allowed. A November order had barred dancing and congregating in areas at gatherings as cases and hospitalizations surged.
The order released Tuesday also contains exemptions for religious gatherings, wedding ceremonies, funerals and speech protected by the First Amendment, such as petition signature collecting, activity by the media and governmental meetings.
Read the orders below.
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