On Tuesday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine at last released guidance for the performing arts, one of the last sectors to receive official COVID-19 safety requirements.

The guidelines apply to performing arts companies and events in educational, professional and amateur settings. DeWine said previously that the order would be out by the end of last week, and then released a statement Friday saying the details were still being worked out.

The order is signed by Interim Director of Health Lance Himes and lists mandatory requirements for all performing arts events in the state of Ohio. The guidelines aim to protect performers, employees and patrons of the arts.

Why is an order needed?

The order states the risk of spreading COVID-19 is increased when people gather at events and especially when people from outside the local area travel to an event. The more the virus spreads in a community, the higher risk there is to performers and patrons and their respective communities as a whole. The lowest risk is when performing events are virtual.

But there are also benefits to the performing arts, the order states, including the promotion of mental health, stress relief and encouraging civic engagement.

“These benefits must be balanced as Ohio continues to limit certain activities in minimizing the spread of COVID-19,” the order states.

Public officials will continually reassess the risks and benefits of entertainment venues in their community. Local public officials may impose additional and more restrictive limitations on the performing arts as needed.

Where can performances and events be held?

Entertainment venues are permitted to present and host entertainment events. Per the order, these venues include:

• Auditoriums.

• Stadiums.

• Arenas.

• Concert and music halls.

• Theaters.

• Ballrooms.

• Gymnasiums.

• Convention centers.

• Arcades.

• Bingo halls.

• Adult and child skill or chance games.

• Laser tag facilities.

• Interactive game facilities hosting non-sports events.

Sporting event requirements were covered in a previous order.

What can patrons expect when attending a performance?

You should see designated 6-foot distances with signage, tape or some other visible spacing in lines. For seating, you should have 6 feet of space between groups of four or members of a single household, with groups seated in staggered rows and sections. You should see a patron pathway developed to allow for physical distancing as you move from parking, through box office lines, ticket scanning and security screening to your seats.

Hand sanitizer and sanitizing products should be readily available, and high-touch surfaces are to be regularly cleaned, the order states. There should be no hand shaking and coughs and sneezes should be covered into the sleeve or elbow.

Before attending the event, patrons should be able to go online to the entertainment venue’s website and see if it is open and how to best approach the facility.

Can patrons gather before or after a show?

No, you will not be able to congregate before or after a performance.

Will there be intermissions?

Maybe.

The order suggests venues eliminate intermissions to prevent gatherings. Intermissions may also be given shorter time limits.

How many patrons are permitted at events?

Indoor venue attendance will be limited to 15% of their fixed-seating capacity or a maximum of 300 persons, according to the order.

Outdoor venue attendance will be limited to 15% of the fixed-seating capacity up to a maximum of 1,500 people.

Do performers need to keep a social distance while performing?

No.

Per the order, performers are required to maintain 6 feet of social distance except when performing.

“Nothing in this Order requires performers to socially distance during performances, and, although not required, it is recommended that performers socially distance when possible during a performance,” the order states.

When not performing, performers should remain a 6 foot distance from one another. Dressing rooms and other shared spaces should be cleaned and sanitized frequently, and performers should wear masks.

Who needs to wear a mask?

Everyone.

Performers are not required to wear facial coverings during performances, but should keep a mask on otherwise.

Patrons, employees, staff and volunteers are required to wear a mask at all times, unless excepted in the Director’s Order for Facial Coverings throughout the State of Ohio. These exceptions include children under 10 and those with medical conditions that are unable to wear a mask.

Who will enforce these guidelines?

A compliance officer, chosen by the venue manager, will enforce the guidelines.

Compliance officers will be responsible for ensuring the order requirements are followed and will be the contact person for the local health department, sheriff’s department and any other local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the event.

What happens if I do not comply?

Violating the order could result in a second-degree misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $750 or not more than 90 days in jail or both.

Venues who do not comply with the order may be shut down.

Should I stay home?

If you are at-risk for COVID-19, the order urges you to stay home if possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states people become more at-risk for the new coronavirus as they grow older, or if they have one of the following underlying medical conditions:

• Chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma.

• A serious heart condition.

• Those who are immunocompromised.

• Severe obesity.

• Diabetes.

• Chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis.

• Liver disease.

• Pregnant women.

Anyone with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should stay home, or will be taken to a dedicated isolation area.

What other requirements and recommendations did the governor provide?

The governor recommends that, if possible, entertainment venues assign arrival times to patrons, block off unused seats and the front rows to create space between patrons and performers, and use contact-free ticketing. The order also suggests every other sink in restrooms be used to allow for separation.

It will be required to have at least 12 feet of space between performers/the stage and the audience. Ushers should actively monitor social distancing practices. There should also be increased time in between performances to allow for thorough cleaning.

When is the order in effect?

At 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 25, for all entertainment venues.

Can a venue submit a different plan for approval?

Yes.

If an entertainment venue wishes to submit a plan with different capacity requirements than the ones outlined in the order, they may do so in writing to their local health department for review. The submission should also be sent to the Ohio Department of Health.

The submission must include justification as to why their venue requires different capacity limitations and how their submitted plan will adequately achieve similar results as the ones outlines in the order.

The order states any decision issued by the Director of the Ohio Department of Health is final and not subject to appeal.

Performing arts organizations presented reopening plans to the governor’s office in April and again in July. They call for reduced capacity, distancing between patrons and employees, face coverings and other measures businesses have been following for months. But until this week, the governor had yet to mention a reopening plan for the arts.