Statehouse News Bureau

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Ohio Allowing Movie Theaters, Zoos, Other Venues To Reopen After Coronavirus Restrictions

By Andy Chow

Published June 5, 2020 at 1:47 AM EDT

Playground [Andy Chow / Statehouse News Bureau] — Playground

The state is allowing the reopening of larger entertainment venues on June 10, including movie theaters, museums, and zoos.

Health officials say companies will have to look over every facet of a venue in order to comply with the protocols.

Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) announced that 15 different types of entertainment venues can open Thursday. Businesses are asked to comply with the guidelines created for consumer and retail services, which includes maintaining six feet between people and cleaning surfaces regularly. Other rules may apply depending on the venue, such as food service locations having to comply with the established restaurant guidelines.

The full list of June 10 business type reopenings includes:

Aquariums

Art galleries

Country clubs

Ice skating rinks

Indoor family entertainment centers

Indoor sports facilities

Laser tag facilities

Movie theaters (indoor)

Museums

Playgrounds (outdoor)

Public recreation centers

Roller skating rinks

Social clubs

Trampoline parks

Zoos

"As I’ve said, Ohioans are able to do two things at once. We can continue to limit the spread of COVID-19 while we safely reopen our economy. It is up to each of us to do what we can to keep each other safe and choose to keep six feet of social distance, wear masks, and maintain good hand hygiene." DeWine said in a Thursday written statement. "The threat of COVID-19 remains and while it’s our responsibility to keep each other safe, business owners and employees should do their part to ensure customers visit safely, by cleaning and sanitizing surfaces regularly."

The announcement did not include amusement parks or water parks.The DeWine administration says it’s still working on guidance for those businesses. Meanwhile, Republican state lawmakers added an amendment that would open those venues to an agriculture-related bill.