Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Thursday afternoon that due to lowering cases of COVID-19 across the state that he would be giving his blessings for schools to have their yearly spring events such as proms and graduations.

“I’m happy that we are here,” said DeWine. “With a few moderations, schools should be able to host these events.”

In one of his twice-weekly press conferences next week, DeWine said he will lay out his administration’s plans for how those events, including many others, will be allowed to occur.

According to DeWine, he has been asked by many parents and school administrators if they could expect a traditional graduation this spring for their students.

In wanting to allow everyone time to start making plans, DeWine said he was announcing limited guidance Thursday afternoon with more detailed information to follow in the coming days.

Part of that guidance includes allowing more spectators at both indoor and outdoor sporting and entertainment events.

Effectively immediately, maximum indoor capacity has been lifted to 25 percent and outdoor maximum capacity has been lifted to 30 percent.

Spectators will still be required to wear a mask and properly social distance, which includes sitting in pods of no more than six people, recommended to be of the same household.

Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted said the announcement was something that many people had been anticipating and hopeful for.

“I’ve received the calls and texts from people who were looking to plan for the future,” said Husted. “Now I think it’s reassuring that the planning can begin.”

During the afternoon press conference, both DeWine and Husted commended the students, teachers, staff and administrations who made their decision possible by adhering to the state’s safety guidelines.

DeWine said that when he first announced that students would be required to wear masks in school that many questioned the policy’s feasibility, but that everyone including younger students did an incredible job.

When asked by a reporter about how the events would operate, DeWine said that students would still be required to wear masks during their prom and graduation events, but that hopefully, it will allow the time-honored traditions to be possible.

Many Muskingum County area schools are likely to await announcing their plans until after the Governor’s full order is released next week.