Governor Announces ODH COVID-19 Update for County Fairs

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Health issued a revised order that allows for the reopening of all fair activities if certain health conditions are met.

The updated order includes compliance with the statewide mask order and social distancing. Additionally, there will be a 25 percent maximum for indoor grandstand capacity and a 30 percent maximum for outdoor grandstand capacity.

Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health will issue updated order and guidance regarding festivals, parades, proms, and spring sports. For spring sports, students will not be required to quarantine because they have an incidental exposure to COVID-19 in a classroom unless symptoms develop.

Hardin County Fair President Corey Ledley issued the following statement in response to the guidance:

“We are thankful that Governor DeWine recognizes the importance of having full county fairs in Ohio. The recently released guidance is brand new to us. We will interpret this in the days and weeks ahead while monitoring the situation. We are confident that the seating capacities will expand as vaccines are administered.”

These orders and guidance from the Ohio Department of Health are available here: https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHOOD/2021/03/11/file_attachments/1721156/Directors%20Order%20that%20Reopens%20Fairs%20Final.pdf