New restrictions on gatherings in Mass. take effect with increased enforcement for violators

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker’s new restrictions on gatherings, which feature beefed-up enforcement efforts, take effect Tuesday.

Last week, Baker announced the gathering limit for outdoor events will be reduced from 100 to 50 people, and he’s giving state and local police the power to enforce coronavirus-related orders.

The limit for indoor gatherings will remain at 25. Baker said anyone who violates the limits — even on private property — will be subject to fines. The governor also created a new COVID Enforcement and Intervention Team that will make sure businesses and residents are following the rules.

The team will be led by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. It will also include officials from the state’s COVID-19 Command Center, the Massachusetts State Police, Department of Labor Standards, Division of Professional Licensure, Department of Public Health, Division of Local Services, Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security. The COVID-19 Command Center will also identify higher-risk communities and help them manage any outbreaks, including assisting towns with accessing additional federal relief funds.

Baker said the high-risk communities will be identified using public health data. More information is expected to be released Tuesday.

Finally, the governor’s revised order requires anyone attending a gathering of 10 or more people that are not from the same household to wear a face mask.

Last week, Baker announced he was pausing the state’s reopening plan, putting Step 2 of Phase 3 on hold indefinitely.

Businesses waiting to reopen under that step include roller skating, laser tag, indoor theaters and indoor concert halls.

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RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

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