CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State University will hold its first in-person start since the coronavirus pandemic on May 15 at Progressive Field.
President Harlan Sands announced the event on Wednesday during a social media town hall. There will be restrictions on participation and safety precautions that will be announced in the coming days. The CSU postponed its closing date to the time the venue was available. There will be a morning and afternoon ceremony.
The decision was made after low positivity rates, discussions with health professionals, and increased adoption of vaccines.
“The reason we can do this is because of you,” Sands said. “You showed us that you can protect our campus.”
Governor Mike DeWine recently relaxed venues guidelines to allow entertainment centers and sports venues to reopen with reduced capacity. Outdoor stadiums can be opened after recent orders with a capacity of 30%. The CSU will follow all safety precautions laid down in the ballpark. the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Clinic Partner for social distancing rules and other guidelines.
The CSU quarantined two students on campus and 15 off campus on Wednesday because they may have been exposed to coronavirus. An employee is in quarantine. The coronavirus positivity rates were calculated to be 0.36% for the spring of 2021 on February 25. Officials will extend the tests to students commuting to campus on March 8.
Ohio University also announced a personal start on Wednesday. The closing ceremony will take place from April 29th to May 3rd at the Peden Stadium.
