Earlier this afternoon, Governor DeWine issued an "short-term" order lasting until July 15th that allows "tournaments, games, and scrimmages" for both contact and non-contact sports to resume. This is order has strict guidelines, which includes the following:
- Testing of all players, coaches, athletic trainers, support staff and officials before travel and competition.
- Daily symptom assessments.
- Athletic trainers must wear a face covering while attending to a player.
- Coaches and officials are strongly recommended to wear a face covering, when possible.
- Strict social distancing by players who are not actively engaged in practice or competition.
- Immediate isolation and medical care for a participant who develops symptoms.
Essentially, this is a temporary test-run that Governor DeWine and his team hopes to use "to inform our future decisions as it relates to [a] return to play", and its results will be evaluated "once we have more information". Lt. Gov. Husted said that the timing of this order intentionally coincided with the TBT tournament.
Additionally, it was announced that the state is launching a campaign called "I Want A Season", that calls for athletes to take to social media in order to encourage social distancing, hand-washing, and the wearing of masks.
@LtGovHusted: Today, we are launching the #IWantASeason Campaign. This is a way for #Ohio athletes to take to social media to tell their friends that I am wearing a mask - I am practicing social distancing - I am washing my hands - and Im doing it because I Want a Season. pic.twitter.com/3B8kykDK7D
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) July 7, 2020
