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DeWine Optimistic For Return Of Fans At Games, Dancing At Proms

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COLUMUBS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) — Gov. Mike DeWine said Ohioans who are planning now for spring events – proms, weddings, baseball games – should feel confident things will be better this year compared to 2020. But there’s a big caveat.

A Cincinnati Reds mascots sits in empty stands during a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals at the Great American Ballpark, in Cincinnati, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020
A Cincinnati Reds mascots sits in empty stands during a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals at the Great American Ballpark, in Cincinnati, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020. [AP Photo | Bryan Woolston]
DeWine said crowds at spring baseball games might be able to go to 30% capacity and he might be able to lift some restrictions on proms and weddings because Ohio is making progress against COVID. But the virus variants could affect the situation.

“If it ramps up and is much more contagious, we could be in a very different and much worse situation in May, June, or July or whenever these events are coming up so we’ll give guidance but there’s a big asterisk,” DeWine said.

He said the vaccine supply should be increasing in March, making it more likely he can expand eligibility for shots.

The age group won’t be expanded to include 60 to 64 year olds yet, but DeWine said that will likely happen in weeks.

He’s optimistic because the shots that have been going to school employees in February will now go to the rest of the 1B group. And it’s good news that the Johnson & Johnson vaccines might be available soon.

“More is coming and March is going to be a better month than February as far as availability of vaccine,” DeWine said.

He said age is the biggest factor in COVID mortality so it will be used to decide who is eligible for the vaccine. But other groups at higher risk could also be added soon.