BOSTON — City and state lawmakers are doing everything they can to pump the breaks on the latest COVID-19 surge. Their focus this holiday season is to stop people from gathering.
One of the most common locations: restaurants.
Come Sunday, Massachusetts will take a step backward, returning to Phase 3, Step 1 of the state’s reopening plan. It comes after an increase in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations since Thanksgiving.
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“You become numb to the restrictions. You just roll with it, get on with every day and just do the best that you can,” said David Cawley, the owner of The Blarney Stone, a restaurant in Dorchester.
Cawley said the industry is used to heavy restrictions but worries about shutting back down this winter.
“We’re obviously fearful […] the greater likelihood is that we will get reduced to takeout and delivery again, which will be disappointing,” he said.
New guidelines for restaurants and other venues with seated dining are as follows:
- 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.
“I feel bad for the restaurant owners,” said Colin MacNeil of Dorchester. “They made a life doing this and it’s just insane right now.”
About a dozen other businesses, like retail, gyms and lodging, will also face capacity reductions down to 40%.
On Saturday Boston Mayor Marty Walsh pushed out new city guidance asking people not to host or attend holiday parties this year. At the end of last week, the city’s infection rate jumped 4% from the week prior to 6.9%.
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In a statement, the mayor said the following:
“Now more than ever, we must continue to stay vigilant and follow all the precautions to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe.”
On Twitter Saturday, UMass Memorial Hospital’s CEO said he would be shocked if there are not more significant rollbacks or closures by January 1.
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