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    Coronavirus Update: Reopening for Daycares, Campgrounds, Gyms, Public Pools & More

    Keep up with regular news updates regarding Columbus and Ohio’s response to COVID-19 here.

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    The Numbers

    COVID-19 cases — As of Thursday, May 13, 3,345 cases and 116 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported or are probable in Columbus and Worthington. Countywide, 4,227 cases and 150 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported.

    Statewide, 26,357 cases and 1,543 deaths have been confirmed or are probable.

    Unemployment — According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services weekly unemployment claims report, 51,125 Ohioans filed for unemployment last week. 1,169,694 unemployment claims have been made since the week of March 21.

    A Flurry of Reopening Dates and Requirements

    Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced in their coronavirus update briefing on Thursday a number of businesses and services that will reopening in the next few weeks.

    The following have been given reopening dates as well as regulations and standards to follow to ensure public safety:

    • Campgrounds and campers — May 21
    • Horse racing — May 22
    • Gyms and fitness centers — May 26
    • Limited and non-contact sports leagues — May 26
    • Public pools — May 26
    • Limited BMV in-person services — May 26
    • Daycares and day camps — May 31

    Childcare providers may reopen, with a number of changes parents will recognize. Of the most notable:

    • There will be a limit in classroom size to nine for pre-school and grade school-aged children, and six for infants and toddlers.
    • Providers will have masks and parents may be asked to wear one.
    • Providers will conduct temperature checks.
    • Intensive cleaning will take place throughout the day.

    $60 million from the federal CARES Act will go toward childcare providers to assist in reopening efforts.

    Gyms, public pools, campgrounds and non-contact sports leagues have also been given operation requirements.

    BMVs will reopen on Tuesday, May 26, but the public is asked to only go in-person if needed for specific services, such as commercial driver’s exams. Acquiring temporary tags, updating addresses, vehicle registration, plate renewal and sticker replacement is available online.

    The expiration extension for driver’s licenses, registrations and CDLs laid out in House Bill 197 is still in place.

    Advisory groups for higher-contact sports leagues, water and amusement parks are still working on details.

    City Funding from CARES Act

    The City of Columbus announced in a press briefing on Thursday, May 14 a number of services and programs that will receive a portion of the funds from the federal government’s CARES Act.

    Columbus received $157 million in federal funds to provide assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will be divided among direct spending, human services and economic impact.

    Councilmember Shayla Favor announced that City Council will vote on Monday, May 18 on $3 million for a Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program to provide eviction prevention and housing stabilization services to at-risk residents.

    The organization Impact Community Action will distribute funding to rental assistance programs from partners at the Columbus Urban League, HomePort, the Columbus Foundation and others.

    This program should be able to serve at least 2500 residents and families, said Bo Chilton, CEO of Impact.

    In addition, Councilmember Favor said in Thursday’s press briefing that $250,000 in funding will go to the Legal Aid Society to provide legal representation for residents, which can lead to residents retaining housing or reducing money owed, and $100,000 will go to community mediation services.

    Mayor Ginther also announced the formation of a Recovery and Resiliency Advisory Group to assist in economic recovery efforts, of which board members are to be finalized.

    More Updates

    BrewDog Masks — BrewDog is releasing its own cloth facemasks in a one-for-one initiative. For every mask purchased, one will be donated to the Columbus YWCA for those in need.

    Each mask will be sold for $10 on BrewDog’s website.

    For more information on COVID-19 in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

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    Taijuan Moorman
    Taijuan Moormanhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Taijuan Moorman is a former reporter and social media specialist for Columbus Underground and The Metropreneur who covered civics, arts, entertainment, lifestyle, and business news and features.
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