Ohio Caverns closed for first time in 90-plus years
Additional businesses continue to modify their operating hours as part of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, including one area tourism destination that hasn’t closed to the public in nearly 100 years.
AGC Automotive announced Friday that its Bellefontaine plant will suspend operations for one week effective today through 11 p.m., Sunday, March 29, with its C-Team shift.
Associates will continue to be paid during the suspension in production.
“This paid suspension of operations will allow associates to better prepare and adjust family plans in regards to regional directives to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” company representatives said.
Salaried workers will be required to work from home next week, and will meet at 7 a.m., Friday, March 27, to perform a thorough cleaning of the plant prior to reopening.
Ohio Caverns also suspended its park operations effective at 5 p.m. Friday. It’s the first time in at least 95 years since the park began keeping attendance figures that the caverns have been closed to the public.
The caverns remained open through economic depressions, five wars, tornados, recession and more, and it took a global pandemic for the local tourism landmark to close.