Large Gatherings Now Allowed Outdoors In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — There are no longer limits on outdoor event attendance or capacity, according to a new order issued by the Ohio Department of Health.

Groups attending outdoor events will be limited to 10 people. Those groups will be asked to keep 6 feet of distance between themselves and other groups of 10.

"Picture a halo around you or the group you're with. That halo provides a buffer from other groups," said Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud.

Read more: Ohio Issues Consolidated Health Order

Outdoor event attendees will still have to wear face masks and are encouraged to frequently wash their hands. McCloud said her new health order is meant to simplify and streamline previous health orders.

Organizers should set up their events in a way that discourages multiple groups from congregating together. One-way traffic patterns should be implemented throughout outdoor venues.

The outdoor event guidance encourages proms, graduations and other school events to be held outdoors.

"We can do about anything we want to do, but it's about how we do it," Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday.

Indoor events will still have a 25-percent of capacity limit, according to the new health order.

DeWine said the changes in health orders were motivated by Ohio's aggressive vaccination program.

"As we move to begin a new chapter in our fight against the pandemic, where more and more Ohioans are being vaccinated, this new order will focus on our best defense measures against COVID-19, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, limiting large gatherings, being outside, and practicing good hand hygiene," the governor said.