UPDATE (5:15 p.m. Tuesday): The Blue Jackets have issued a statement saying their scheduled home games will go on as planned, and ticketed fans will be able to attend at Nationwide Arena.
"Additional steps have been taken that include an expanded, detailed cleaning throughout all areas of the arena and an increase in the number of hand sanitizer dispensers available to all," according to the statement.
The state government of Ohio is taking precautions as the threat of coronavirus and COVID-19 rises in the United States.
Governor Mike DeWine provided an update Tuesday afternoon with his recommendation that indoor sporting events be spectator-free, effective immediately. The Blue Jackets, who have home games Thursday and Saturday night at Nationwide Arena, are included in this recommendation from the governor. As of this writing, the Blue Jackets had not publicly commented on the governor's recommendation.
The Blue Jackets have five games remaining at Nationwide Arena in the regular season.
ATHLETICS: For indoor events, we are asking for no events with spectators other than the athletes, parents, and others essential to the game.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 10, 2020
Right now, outdoor events can continue. #COVID19
Ohio currently has three confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to State Dept. of Health director Amy Acton, and 15 people are currently under investigation. To date, 14 people have tested negative for the virus.
We'll have more on this story as it develops, including any comment from the Blue Jackets.
