The state department first said last week that golf courses must stay closed, but health officials appear to have changed their minds over the weekend.
>>PREVIOUS REPORTING: Ohio golf courses can remain open after state reverses decision
Golf organizations reported receiving an email from the Ohio Department of Health saying they could stay open so long as they enforced social distancing and disinfection requirements.
Governor Mike DeWine also announced the decision Monday afternoon, though did not go into detail on the criteria golf courses need to meet.
In a release from Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County, the agency outlined the restrictions on golf courses.
Golf courses can be open so long as they are working as outdoor recreation, but other businesses like restaurants, clubhouses, spas or driving ranges, are not allowed.
Golf courses also need to make sure that social distancing and other protective measures are being taken, including designating a 6-foot space for employees and customers, having hand sanitizer and other sanitizing products available, only allowing one person in a golf cart at a time and cleaning the carts and course-owned clubs after each use. Courses also have to be able to communicate hours of operation online or remotely.
The county agency said it may conduct random inspections to ensure golf courses are adhering to these rules.
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