BOSTON — All communities across the Commonwealth will be moving back to Phase 3, Step 1 of the state’s reopening plan, effective Sunday, Governor Baker announced Tuesday.
According to Baker, effective Sunday, December 13, all communities will roll back to Phase 3, Step 1 of Massachusetts’ reopening plan, including the following restrictions:
- Outdoor gatherings at event venues will be limited to no more than 50 people
- Hosts of outdoor gatherings of greater than 25 people will be required to provide advance notice of the gathering to their local board of health
- Indoor theaters and performance venues and higher contact indoor recreation businesses will be required to close to the public
- Outdoor theaters and performance venues will be limited to 25% capacity, and no more than 50 people
BREAKING: @MassGovernor putting entire state back to phase 3 step one effective this Sunday. Also, all indoor businesses for the most part will drop to 40 percent capacity. Outdoor gatherings go from 100 back to 50. pic.twitter.com/r5876x468r
— Robert Goulston (@rgoulston) December 8, 2020
In all communities, capacity will be reduced from 50% to 40% for the following sectors:
- Arcades/Indoor and Outdoor Recreational Businesses
- Driving and Flight Schools
- Gyms/Health Clubs
- Libraries
- Museums
- Retail
- Offices
- Places of Worship
- Lodging (common areas)
- Golf facilities
- Movie Theaters (Maximum 50 people per theater)
Baker says the state is “going to continue being as aggressive as we can” in fighting the COVID-19 virus.
The news comes as the state has been reporting an increase in cases and hospitalizations since Thanksgiving.
“We are still in a pandemic and the state of Massachusetts is being tested once again,” Baker said.
The Administration also announced new guidelines for restaurants and other venues with seated dining, including:
- Patrons must wear masks at all times except when eating and drinking
- Restaurants must seat no more than six patrons per table
- Restaurants must impose a 90-minute time limit on tables
- Musical performances at restaurants will no longer be permitted
- Food court seating must be closed in malls
Customers are encouraged to dine only with members of the same household.
NOTE - masks now required to be worn in restaurants at all times except when eating and drinking. The goal here is to protect wait staff while ordering. Masks now required at gyms at all time. Food courts at malls will close.
— Robert Goulston (@rgoulston) December 8, 2020
The Administration announced new guidelines for workplaces and gyms, including:
- In offices, employees must wear masks at their place of work when not in their own workspace and alone
- Employers are encouraged to close or limit the use of break rooms
- Patrons must wear masks at all times in gyms
The state is rolling back to Phase 3, Step 1. These NEW RESTRICTIONS take effect this Sunday, Dec. 13 More details you need to know --> boston25.com/3qBruxn
Posted by Boston 25 News on Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Lower-risk communities have been in Step 2 since Oct. 5, which allowed fitting rooms to reopen and gyms, museums, and libraries were able to increase capacity to 50%.
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