On Tuesday, December 8, Governor Baker announced that he was rolling back Massachusetts’ reopening plan to Phase 3, step 1, and implementing additional restrictions effective December 13, 2020, in the wake of a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Many of the new measures impact restaurants and other venues.

  • Gathering limits at outdoor events are reduced from 100 to 50
  • Businesses including arcades, indoor and outdoor recreational business, driving and flight schools, gyms and health clubs. libraries, museums, office spaces and places of worship will be reduced from 50% capacity to 40% capacity.
  • Outdoor theaters and performance venues are limited to 25% capacity or 40 people.
  • Anyone hosting over 25 people outdoors must notify their local board of health ahead of time.
  • Business including indoor theaters, performance venues, and high contact indoor recreation centers such as roller skating and laser tag are required to close.

In addition there are measures 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.

And 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 Administration continues to encourage all employers to offer teleworking to their employees when possible.  Below are links to the ne Orders and Reopening Guidance.

·         Baker-Polito Administration Announces Statewide Rollback to Phase Three, Step One, Additional Restrictions Effective December 13th

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-statewide-rollback-to-phase-three-step-one-additional

 ·         COVID-19 Order #58 – Order Returning All Municipalities to Phase III, Step 1 COVID-19 Safety Rules

https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-order-58/download

 ·         COVID-19 Order #57 – Further Revised Order Regulating Gatherings in the Commonwealth

https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-order-57/download

 ·         Business Sector Reopening Guidance for Phase 3, Steps 1 & 2 Chart (available in multiple languages)

https://www.mass.gov/lists/business-sector-reopening-guidance-for-phase-3-steps-1-2