DeWine addresses winter sports

DeWine+addresses+winter+sports

By Staff Report

Winter high school sports might soon be in jeopardy as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called on schools to take a more aggressive approach to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

During his twice-weekly 2 p.m. address, DeWine cited districts across the state that had chosen to delay, limit or cancel winter sports as schools grip with large influxes of cases and exposed students.

DeWine said districts that choose to move forward with winter sports between now and the end of the year need to prohibit spectators, which would include family members of athletes.

As a grandparent, DeWine said he understood what he was asking but that it was necessary to ensure that students are still able to compete.

The governor said he spoke to multiple superintendents across the state who agreed that bringing any number of adults into a gym was not wise as the state continues to see an increase in cases.

“We would ask schools to do that between now and the first of the year,” said DeWine. “That is something we would certainly reevaluate, but again the period between now and the first of the year is just vitally important if we are going to keep our kids in school.”

DeWine, however, did not issue an order Tuesday afternoon but hinted that if districts didn’t follow suit it might soon become necessary.