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Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley declared a state of emergency in Cincinnati Wednesday to help prepare for the spread of novel coronavirus.

"I declared a state of emergency earlier today based on the critical need to allow the city of Cincinnati to take appropriate action to protect against the spread of COVID-19 in Cincinnati and to protect vulnerable populations," Cranley said in a statement.

Later, in an afternoon press conference he added, the state of emergency allows the city to act quickly, as needed.

The state of emergency is open-ended and gives the mayor the power to make decisions like deploying police and cancelling events.

There are currently no confirmed cases in Greater Cincinnati.

"All of us, including me, have grappled with how serious this is... there are real fears and they will have real consequences on people's lives," Cranley said in the press conference.

FC Cincinnati and The Cincinnati Reds' home-opener games have not been canceled. Cranley said team representatives met with the city manager on Monday.

"They are practically taking a number of steps to increase safety at the games," Cranley said. "But as this is changing very rapidly, we will see what Major League Soccer does, what Major League Baseball does and we will work them, talk to them. Obviously we will do what is best for the public health."

COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across the U.S., with at least nine cases confirmed in Kentucky and four in Ohio, according to the governors of both states.

"This is a very serious time. We will get through this. We will provide basic services, but we have to adjust our behaviors. It will be a learning curve," Cranley said.

More:Coronavirus in Ohio: 4th case of coronavirus announced. Access to nursing homes to be limited

More:Coronavirus: What to know about how the pandemic is affecting Greater Cincinnati

Gov. Mike DeWine announced a fourth case of coronavirus in Ohio at a 2 p.m. press conference

A 53-year-old Stark County man is the first instance of community spread in the state. Stark County is in the Canton area.

Ohio's health director, Dr. Amy Acton, will soon issue rules and an order to prevent mass gatherings, DeWine said.

"The bigger the gathering, the more the risk. The closer you are in proximity to people, the bigger the risk."

The Enquirer will update this article.