A new order from the Ohio Department of Health rules out any fans attending any football games in the state indefinitely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. That means Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals games will be played in empty stadiums this fall.
The order, passed on Saturday, was confirmed by the state officials on Monday. It remains in effect until the state of emergency from Ohio governor Mike DeWine ends.
The order also directs that contact practice and training may resume for all sports, but only intrasquad scrimmages are permitted for contact sports. Non-contact sports may have competitive games and tournaments. It impacts professional, college and high school athletics.
The DOH can rescind the order at any time, and governor DeWine can also end it with an executive order.
