Grafton still seen as low-risk, steps into next phase of COVID-19 reopening

Grafton, welcome to Step II, Phase III, Keep wearing your masks.

Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced that lower risk communities, like Grafton, will be permitted to move into the next phase of the state’s reopening plan. “Lower risk” is considered to be those cities and towns which have not been a red (high risk) community in any of the last three weekly Department of Public Health reports.

As of last week, Grafton has had a total of 117 cases since the start of the pandemic, with four positive test results in the past two weeks. Those are the only active cases in town, according to DPH records.

Effective October 5, a limited number of sectors will be eligible to reopen, with restrictions, in Step II of Phase III for lower risk communities only:

• Indoor performance venues will be permitted to open with 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 250 people.

• Outdoor performance venue capacity will increase to 50 percent with a max of 250 people.

• For arcades and indoor and outdoor recreation businesses, additional Step II activities like trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks and laser tag will also be permitted to open and capacity will increase to 50 percent.

• Fitting rooms will be permitted to open in all types of retail stores. 

• Gyms, museums, libraries and driving and flight schools will also be permitted to increase their capacity to 50 percent.

Revised Gatherings Order:

• The limit for indoor gatherings remains at a maximum of 25 people for all communities.

• Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 50 people for all communities.

• Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will have a limit of 50 people in Step I communities, and a limit of 100 people in lower risk, Step II communities.