Gov. Baker Announces New Gathering Restrictions, Amid Rollback of COVID-19 Reopening Plan

Gyms, Stores & Places of Worship Told To Reduce Occupancy from 50% to 40%

Source: www.amherst.gov

The Baker-Polito Administration announced today, December 8, that effective on Sunday, December 13, all Massachusetts cities and towns will return to “Step 1, Phase 3,” of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan.

The move will reduce indoor capacity at retail stores and other public places, and tighten workplace restrictions. Restaurants were instructed to impose 90-minute table limits, and not to seat groups of more than six people. Questions remain about whether the guidelines will be widely followed, and how restrictions will be enforced.

The Baker administration announced the rollbacks in response to a surge in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations after Thanksgiving, which is straining the state’s health care system.

The return to “Step 1” will require the closure of certain businesses, Baker’s office said, including indoor performance venues and “high-contact indoor recreation businesses,” although the term was not explained. Indoor capacity limits will be reduced from 50% to 40% statewide for most businesses and public places. The limit on outdoor gatherings drop from 100 to 50 people.

The new measures are designed to prevent COVID-19 infection and viral spread, especially in indoor settings. Goals include stronger mask compliance, increased social distancing, and reduced time spent with people beyond immediate household members. 

Guidance for restaurants, office spaces and gyms was released, to address activities where mask wearing is not always possible.

Changes to gatherings include:

• Outdoor theaters and performance venues will be limited to 25% capacity and 50 people total.
• Hosts of outdoor gatherings for more than 25 people will be required to provide advance notice to their local Board of Health
• Performance venues and higher-contact indoor recreation businesses will be required to close.

Capacity will be reduced from 50% to 40% for the following:

• Arcades
• Driving and Flight Schools
• Gyms/Health Clubs
• Libraries
• Museums
• Retail
• Offices
• Places of worship
• Lodging (common areas)
• Golf facilities
• Movie theaters (a maximum or 50 people per theater.)

Restaurants and Seated Dining Venues

New guidelines for restaurants and venues with seated dining, include:

• 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 will no longer be permitted
• Food court seating must be closed in malls

Customers are encouraged to dine only with members of their household.

Offices and Gyms

The guidelines for workplaces and gyms include:

• In offices, employees must wear masks when not in their own workspace, and alone
• Employers are encouraged to close, or limit the use of break rooms
• Gym patrons must wear masks at all times.

The Baker administration has encouraged all employers to offer teleworking options to their employees when possible.

Non-emergency COVID-19 questions? Contact Amherst’s Covid Concerns Line at (413) 259-2425 or by email at covidconcerns@amherstma.gov