SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Officers from the Summit County Sheriff's office will begin patrolling local parks throughout the county to ensure residents are not congregating in large groups despite Gov. Mike DeWine’s order to keep a safe distance from people and avoid gathering in large groups.

The sheriff’s office said they have seen people ignoring the social distancing protocols by gathering in tight groups and engaging in close-up conversation at baseball fields and public parks.

"Obviously, the need for outdoor recreation has grown in recent weeks, and we don't want to discourage people from enjoying their favorite park or ball field, but practice proper social distancing," the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.

The rule of thumb is to keep a 6-foot distance between you and someone else.

RELATED: Summit County now has 8 coronavirus deaths, second highest in the state

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