COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine has banned large groups and closed schools across Ohio on Thursday.
During an afternoon press conference, DeWine announced a ban on mass gatherings of 100 or more people in Ohio.
Shortly, @DrAmyActon will be issuing an order banning mass gatherings of 100+ in #Ohio. #COVID19 #COVID19OhioReady pic.twitter.com/B2dLXDH6kh
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 12, 2020
In a tweet, DeWine said, “FOR CLARITY: a mass gathering does NOT include normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, shopping malls, shopping centers or other spaces where 100 or more people may be in transit.”
The ban carries additional exceptions, such as religious services, hospitals, typical office environments, schools, restaurants, factories, retail or grocery stores or first-amendment protected free speech.
Also Thursday afternoon, DeWine announced schools across Ohio will be closed for three weeks beginning after the end of the school day Monday.
At the close of school on Monday is when the school closure starts until April 3. All K-12 schools: Public, private, charter. #COVID19 #COVID19OhioReady
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 12, 2020
DeWine said, though school-age children are not at a high risk for COVID-19 to be fatal, they are potential carriers of the Coronavirus.
He said the closure will continue until April 3, which then the situation will be assessed.