Coronavirus: Guidelines for county fairs to focus on limiting crowds, social distancing

The state is releasing guidelines for county fairs that will allow kids to safely show and participate in limited livestock shows and other events, Gov. Mike DeWine said.

The guidelines, which will be posted on the state’s website, focus on social distancing, limiting crowds, animal care and welfare and ensuring the health of everyone involved.

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Because each county fair is different and faces its own challenges and circumstances, decisions about county and independent fairs will be left to local boards, the governor said.

All fairs are asked to comply with Ohio Department of Health orders.

Starting June 8, intermediate care facilities for those with developmental disabilities and assisted living centers can resume visitations, DeWine said.

All facilities must screen visitors and schedule visitation dates and times. Facilities can also implement other guidelines as they see appropriate, the governor said.

The Ohio Board of Pharmacy ruled Wednesday that pharmacists can test for coronavirus, DeWine announced Thursday.

The state will update its coronavirus website with locations where Ohioans can be tested.

Thursday morning, CVS announced that it will offer drive-thru testing at 34 pharmacies in Ohio, including locations in Dayton, Hamilton and Springboro.

There have been 33,915 total cases of coronavirus and 2,098 deaths attributed to the virus in the state, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

>> Coronavirus: CVS to offer drive-thru testing at 34 Ohio pharmacies

The state is reporting 31,625 confirmed cases and 1,888 deaths.

There have been 5,811 hospitalizations with 1,516 ICU admissions.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced changes to the state’s TechCred program, including adding flexibility for upskilling new hires and no longer requiring employees names to be listed when applying.

DeWine said an update on zoos, amusement parks and other outdoor entertainment will hopefully come next week.

On Tuesday, pools, fitness centers, bowling alleys, batting cages, Ohio BMV offices and mini golf were able to reopen.

Starting May 31, childcare centers are available to reopen with reduced staff-to-child ratios.

On June 1, catering and banquet halls can reopen to crowds of 300 or less. Tables must be spaced 6 feet apart and congregating is not allowed.

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