State eases mask restrictions, will allow larger gatherings

With COVID-19 cases dropping by 20 percent since the end of March, the state is easing mask restrictions and will bring back some large scale athletic vents.

Starting Friday, face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance. Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. 

Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking. At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required. 

The $300 fine as an enforcement mechanism will be eliminated.

Effective May 10, large venues such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks currently open as part of Phase 4, Step 1 at 12 percent will be permitted to increase capacity to 25 percent. 

The Commonwealth will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries including amusement parks, theme parks and outdoor water parks that will be permitted to operate at a 50 percent capacity after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health. Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events will be permitted to take place with staggered starts after submitting safety plans to a local board of health or the DPH. 

Youth and adult amateur sports tournaments will be allowed for moderate and high risk sports. Singing will also be permitted indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses. 

As of May 29, subject to public health and vaccination data, gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings. 

Subject to public health and vaccination data, additional Phase 4, Step 2 industries will be permitted to open including: 

• Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals, at 50 percent of their previous capacity and after submitting safety plans to the local board of health. 
• Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries, will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90 minute limit and no dance floors. Subject to public health and vaccination data, the restaurant guidance will be updated to eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol and to increase the maximum table size to 10. 

Remaining industries will be permitted to open on August 1 including: 

• Dance clubs, and nightclubs 
• Saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs and other facilities 
• Indoor water parks 
• Ball pits 

All industry restrictions will be lifted at that time, and capacity will increase to 100 percent for all industries, with businesses encouraged to continue following best practices. The gathering limit will be rescinded. Depending on vaccine distribution and public health data, the Administration may consider reevaluating the August 1 date.

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