Ohio Issues New Limits On Weddings, Funerals, Mass Gatherings!

November 24, 2020 ruthmaxey1 501 Views african American lifestyle, african american news, amy acton director ohio department health, cdc, center for disease control, coronavirus. Pandemic, covid 19 bar restaurant bans, covid 19 event shut down, covid 19 mass event bans, covid 19 mass gatherings, covid 19 quarantine, funerals, governor dewine, health and fitness, health and nutrition, Mass Gatherings!, ohio, ohio department of health, Ohio Issues New Limits On Weddings Funerals, quarantine, weddings

Family and friends lay flowers on the casket of Bishop Carl Williams Jr. last week at Hollywood Memorial Park and Cemetery in Union, N.J. Only a few family members were permitted to attend the service in person due to the pandemic.

Patch.com, By Chris Mosby, Posted November 24th 2020

Gov. Mike DeWine announced a new prohibition on certain mass gatherings!.

Ohio leaders are issuing a revised limit on mass gatherings throughout the Buckeye State in an effort to combat the record rise in coronavirus cases.

The revised health order is focused on wedding receptions, funeral repasts and other events at banquet facilities. The order bans socializing in open congregate settings and prohibits dancing. The order also mandates that all guests be seated at all times, even if food is being served. Food must be brought to guests’ tables.

The new health order bans self-serve buffets and self-serve bar areas. Tables at events must be limited to 10 people or fewer. Tables should only seat family members or members of the same household together. Masks must be worn at all times, unless someone is actively eating or drinking.

“Despite the health order that limited mass gatherings to 10 people that was signed in April remaining in effect, we have seen rampant spread of the virus as a result of banquets, wedding receptions, and social gatherings following funerals,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “We have seen great tragedy associated with such events. It’s not the ceremonies causing the problem. It’s the party afterward.”

Traditional wedding reception events, like the first dance, toasts, tossing of the bouquet and cake cutting are permitted.

The order will officially go into effect on Nov. 17.

The revised order does not apply to religious observances, First Amendment protected speech, including petition or referendum circulators, and any activity by media, or to government meetings.