COLUMBUS, Ohio — UPDATE, March 11 - 5:50 p.m.: The Blue Jackets have said they will comply with the Governor’s decision, and future games will not be open to the public.
This includes Thursday’s home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
#CBJ statement regarding upcoming game schedule. https://t.co/xNOhNVaDSD
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 11, 2020
ORIGINAL: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is urging indoor athletic events be played in empty stadiums and arenas without fans in the stands due to the spread of the coronavirus.
ATHLETICS: For indoor events, we are asking for no events with spectators other than the athletes, parents, and others essential to the game.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 10, 2020
Right now, outdoor events can continue. #COVID19
It’s not clear what impact his announcement will have when the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night, but the Blue Jackets have said they are not planning on enforcing DeWine’s decision.
All #CBJ scheduled games will go on as scheduled and be open to ticketed fans.
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 10, 2020
Full Statement ⤵️ https://t.co/mLN5ImQVlE
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In a press conference Tuesday, DeWine said he also is asking religious leaders to consider making changes to worship services to limit exposure and that prisons in the state have ended visitation.
NURSING HOMES: We ask nursing homes to screen visitors, vendors, etc. for illness in an effort to protect the at-risk populations residing there. #COVID19
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 10, 2020
RELATED: Kent State shutting down all in-person classes immediately due to coronavirus
The moves come after Ohio State University and Kent State University canceled in-person classes and three cases of the virus were confirmed near Cleveland.
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