DeWine Extends Curfew to Jan. 2
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Gov. Mike DeWine has extended the state’s 10 p.m. curfew to Jan. 2, he announced at his press conference today.
“We believe that the curfew and the enforcement of mask-wearing in retail, which started around the same time, have had an impact. We’ve not been able to slow it enough, but there’s been an impact,” he said. “As a result, the Department of Health is extending the curfew order.”
The curfew will carry the same rules as what’s currently in place. The current order, which expires Dec. 10, requires Ohioans to be in their place of residence between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., with exceptions for religious observances, activities protected by the First Amendment and essential activities. The full scope of the order and its exceptions can be read HERE.
The new order, which goes into effect Friday, carries a variance for three sporting events, DeWine noted: the Cleveland Browns Monday Night Football game on Dec. 14, the Columbus Crew’s hosting of the Major League Soccer championship game on Dec. 12 and the University of Cincinnati’s hosting of the American Athletic Conference’s football championship game on Dec. 12.
“These events have run consistently with the rules we ask all Ohioans to follow. Spectators at these events will wear masks. They are socially distanced. There’s added safety in that they’re in a large venue and that they’re held outside,” he said.
He did note, however, that the biggest threat in such events comes from people gathering to watch the games. DeWine urged Ohioans to practice the same safety measures they would otherwise if they’re watching the games, including practicing social distancing and not gathering with people outside their household.
“The biggest threat from these games is not what goes on inside the stadium. The stadium is from those who have an urge to gather with friends and people outside their household,” DeWine said. “Candidly, that’s what we think the biggest threat is.”
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
