WOBURN, Mass. — All Massachusetts communities have officially rolled back to Step 1 of Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced the new restrictions last week, as COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb following Thanksgiving.
The rollback took effect Sunday, Dec. 13. Some businesses had to close again, including indoor theaters and performance venues and higher-contact indoor recreation businesses, like trampoline parks and roller-skating rinks.
Restaurants are also facing new restrictions. New guidelines for restaurants and other venues with seated dining include:
- 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
Many businesses must also decrease their capacity from 50% to 40%. They include:
- 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)
Masks are also now required at all times in gyms and in offices, unless a person is alone in their own workspace.
Cox Media Group
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