Updated on May 15, 2020 at 4:45 p.m. with information on requirements for gyms and other fitness venues.

By Jennifer Hart

Following the announcement of the reopening of Ohio’s restaurants, bars and salons this Friday, May 15, Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted revealed additional dates for businesses, services and events to reopen in a press conference Thursday. This includes gyms, fitness centers, rec centers, campgrounds, BMVs, certain sports leagues and summer and day camps. The timeline is outlined below.

May 21, 2020

According to Husted, the state’s campgrounds will be able to reopen on May 21. However, they will need to abide by requirements including posting information, maintaining and sanitizing public restrooms, showerhouses and laundry facilities, closing non-essential buildings, amenities and areas where people could potentially congregate, and maintaining social distancing.

As previously announced, restaurants can welcome back dine-in customers May 21 with additional safety precautions.

May 22, 2020

Horse racing is permitted to resume on May 22, although Husted advised that spectators will not be allowed to attend races. Casinos and racinos are not included in the reopening, according to Husted.

May 26, 2020

Gyms
Gyms, fitness centers, recreation centers and studios will be allowed to reopen May 26, providing they can meet requirements and follow guidance set by the state. Gyms and other fitness venues must enforce social distancing measures, including limiting capacity, reducing class sizes, and marking spaces to ensure six feet of distance is maintained between patrons. Additionally, stringent cleaning requirements are in place for both workout equipment and locker room facilities.

Sports Leagues
Non-contact or limited-contact sports leagues including golf, baseball, softball, tennis and other paddle sports can reopen on May 26. The state will also set guidelines for leagues such as cornhole, frisbee and bocce to outline best practices that should be utilized when participating in such sports.

Higher-contact sports like lacrosse, basketball, soccer, hockey and field hockey are being considered for reopenings at a later date.

BMV
Ohio’s BMVs are permitted to reopen on May 26, and Husted encouraged people to take advantage of the extensions on licenses and registrations allowed by House Bill 197. To avoid a flood of traffic, Husted advised that residents should first go to the Ohio BMV website to see if their needs can be serviced online.

Swimming Pools
Pools that are regulated by local health departments, including public pools and clubs, can reopen on May 26. However, Husted noted that water parks and amusement parks will not be included in the reopening, as they are regulated differently.

May 31, 2020

Day cares are permitted to reopen May 31, as well as summer and day camps.

What Remains Closed
According to the Ohio Department of Health, all places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, must remain closed. This includes:

  • Laser tag facilities, roller skating rinks, ice skating rinks, arcades, indoor miniature golf facilities, bowling alleys, indoor trampoline parks, indoor water parks, arcades, and adult and child skill or chance game facilities remain closed
  • Gambling industries
  • Auditoriums, stadiums, arenas
  • Movie theaters, performance theaters and concert and music halls
  • Parades, fairs, festivals and carnivals
  • Amusement parks, theme parks, outdoor water parks, children’s play centers, playgrounds and funplexes
  • Aquariums, zoos, museums, historical sites and similar institutions
  • Country clubs and social clubs