On December 8, 2020, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito announced an update to the state’s reopening process as well as several updates to sector-specific guidance in order to combat the rising cases of COVID-19 across the Commonwealth. The measures outlined below with go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, December 13, 2020.
1. Statewide Rollback to Phase 3, Step 1: The entire Commonwealth will move to Phase 3, Step 1 of the Reopening Plan. In addition, the following updates to capacity limits will go into effect:
- Outdoor gatherings at event venues and public spaces to 50 people
- Outdoor Theaters and Performance Venues to 25% and no more than 50 people
- Close Indoor Theaters and Performance Venues and a few smaller indoor recreation businesses like roller rinks and trampoline parks
- Reduce capacity from 50% to 40% for several industry sectors noted below:
- Arcades/Indoor and Outdoor Recreational Businesses
- Driving and Flight Schools
- Gyms/Health Clubs
- Libraries
- Museums
- Retail
- Offices
- Places of Worship
- Lodging (common areas)
- Golf
- Movie theaters (no more than 50 people per theater)
2. Restaurants and Event Venues Protocols Updates: The following updates will be made to restaurant and event venue protocols with regard to face coverings, seating, and performances
- Wear masks at all times except when eating and drinking
- Seat no more than six per table and encourage customers to only dine with same household
- Put a 90-minute time limit on tables
- Prohibit all musical performances at restaurants
- Close food court seating
3. Workplaces and Fitness Centers Protocols Updates: The following updates will be made to the Office Spaces and Fitness Centers protocols with regard to face coverings
- Require mask wearing in offices when not in your own workspace and alone
- Require mask wearing at all times in gyms
- Encourage teleworking
GATHERING ORDER NO. 57
PHASE 3, STEP 1 ORDER NO. 58
All updates to sector specific guidance can be found on www.mass.gov/reopening later this week.
