Baker increases indoor restrictions as COVID-19 strains hospitals

With the rise in COVID-19 infections straining the state’s health care system, Gov. Charlie Baker has rolled back restrictions, reducing indoor capacity in some businesses and adding additional safety measures to restaurant dining.

The restrictions, also known as Step 1 of Phase 3 of the Commonwealth reopening plan, go into effect Sunday.

The change comes as Grafton infections continue to rise, with 15 new cases reported Tuesday. This brings the total since December 1 to 105. Grafton overall has had 383 Covid cases since the start of the pandemic, with 11 residents dead.

These new measures are designed to prevent infection and viral spread, especially in indoor settings, according to a release from Baker’s office. They will create stronger mask compliance, more social distancing, and limits to the time spent with people outside of your immediate household. 

The Administration also announced additional guidance for certain sectors including restaurants, office spaces and gyms, to address activities where mask wearing is not possible at all times.

The Administration also announced additional guidance for certain sectors including restaurants, office spaces and gyms, to address activities where mask wearing is not possible at all times.

Phase III, Step I restrictions:

• Outdoor gatherings at event venues will be limited to no more than 50 people

• Hosts of outdoor gatherings of greater than 25 people will be required to provide advance notice of the gathering their local board of health

• Indoor theaters and performance venues and higher contact indoor recreation businesses will be required to close to the public

• Outdoor theaters and performance venues will be limited to 25 percent capacity, and no more than 50 people

In all communities, capacity will be reduced from 50 percent to 40 percent for the following sectors:

• 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)

This new capacity limit will not apply to sectors that do not currently have a percentage-based capacity limit, including restaurants, laboratories and close contact personal services.

Restaurants and Venues

The Administration also announced new guidelines 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.

Offices and Gyms

The Administration announced 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.