The guidelines stem from the mass gathering order issued in March that prohibited gatherings of 50 or more people in a single room or space at the same time.
Mass gatherings are now prohibited to no more than 10 people with some exceptions, Trout said.
“Some things such as car shows are being allowed if they are held outdoors where social distancing can occur, but the order has not been updated yet to reflect those allowances. The state is working on this," Trout said.
With those exceptions, he added that masks are still mandatory and social distancing guidelines must be implemented.
Bethel Community Church, located at 4400 Osborn Road in Medway, had planned a Harvest Festival including a bike night and blessing of the bikes, a classic car show, trunk-or-treat, live music, games and carnival food for this weekend.
Rick Fiste, lead pastor at Bethel Community Church said the CCCHD asked them to “reconsider that venue."
“Ours was kind of all wrapped-up together and when we looked at the whole thing we thought the timing was just bad - primarily because of the escalation (in coronavirus cases),” Fiste said.
Last week, Clark County returned to level 3 coronavirus risk on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System for the first time since August.
Fiste also noted Tecumseh Local Schools reopened this week with in-person classes.
“There are concerns that the festival, a community event like that, would had potentially caused problems for the school system and the spread of COVID-19," he said. “We didn’t want to perpetuate that in any way.”
The school district is also adjusting the learning plans due to the county’s alert level.
Fiste said Bethel Community Church is looking forward to planning this event next year.
“We just care about the community," Fiste said. "We know there’s physical, emotional and spiritual health. In this case, we had to weigh a little more heavenly the physical health concern, but we’re still always looking for ways to minister and help people during this crazy thing.”
If residents have questions regarding coronavirus guidelines, they can call the CCCHD at 937-390-5600.
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