Massachusetts Will Move To Phase IV Of Reopening Plan Beginning March 22

Source: mass.gov and Boston.com

All communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan on March 22. This will open a range of previously closed business sectors under tight capacity restrictions that are expected to be adjusted over time if favorable trends in the public health data continue. The following industries now will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health (DPH):

• Indoor and outdoor stadiums
• Arenas
• Ballparks

Also effective on March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

Additionally, dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events, and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols. Other Phase IV sectors must continue to remain closed. 

According to Boston.com

“… the new rules come ahead of the Red Sox’ opening day game on April 1 at Fenway Park, as well as before the beginning of the New England Revolution season later that month. The Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins have been playing in a fan-less TD Garden for several months… TD Garden officials subsequently announced… that the first Bruins game with fans will be hosted on March 23, followed by the first Celtics game with fans on March 29… In addition to the 12 percent occupancy limit, fans at TD Garden will be required to wear a mask at all times, except while actively eating or drinking in their seat; tickets will be mobile-only; and seats will be sold in pods of two and four, with at least six feet between groups.”

The Red Sox said Thursday that they will announce details about their health and safety protocols in the coming weeks, though they did say that season ticket holders will get the first opportunity to attend games at Fenway Park.

Additionally, the team said they expect Fenway Park to continue to operate as a mass vaccination site “beyond the start of the regular season” and are working to “develop revised operating plans as necessary for the month of April and beyond.”