Keep up with regular news updates regarding Columbus and Ohio’s response to COVID-19 here.
The Numbers
COVID-19 cases — As of Tuesday, Oct. 13, 22,848 cases and 484 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported or are probable in Columbus and Worthington. Countywide, 31,105 cases and 661 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported by Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health.
Statewide, 171,626 cases and 5,017 deaths have been confirmed or are probable, as reported by the Ohio Department of Health, with 144,903 presumed recovered.
COSI Sets Reopening Date
On Tuesday, COSI once again announced plans to reopen after postponing in mid-July. The new reopening date is set for Friday, November 20.
“We have implemented a number of safeguards, including the addition of a new, scientific and technologically advanced UV-C photohydroionization air sterilization system to our building,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, COSI president and CEO. “As we navigate through this global pandemic, the need for science literacy and engagement is more important than ever and only science will put the pandemic behind us. We look forward to welcoming everyone, including the scientists and leaders of tomorrow who will save us from the next global crisis.”
UV-C photohydroionization uses ultraviolet light within COSI’s HVAC system to kill and eliminate germs, viruses, and bacteria.
COSI will be open three days a week, Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting November 20 through to December 20. After that date, new open hours will be determined.
Some of the new protocols in place include required masks for guests six years and up, timed admission tickets to be ordered online in advance, and a required visit to a hand sanitizer station as guests enter. Certain exhibits will also remain closed, including the National Geographic Giant Screen Theater, the Motion Simulator, the High-Wire Unicycle, the Submarine and the Alvinsphere in the Ocean exhibition, and the Mercury Capsule in the Space exhibition.
COSI has, however, extended the run of the ¡Cuba! exhibition in the American Museum of Natural History Special Exhibition Gallery through January 3, 2021.
For more information, visit cosi.org/covid19.
More Updates
Lab Capacity Dashboard — Governor DeWine announced on Tuesday the creation of a new Lab Capacity Dashboard on coronavirus.ohio.gov to help nursing homes, colleges and universities, employers, and others conducting COVID-19 tests find a lab to run their samples, in an effort to increase turnaround for results.
The dashboard provides self-reported information about labs that can run tests, including their locations, hours of operation, and estimated turnaround time.
For more information on COVID-19 in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.