Some State COVID Restrictions Relaxed

Source: mass.gov

The state announced on April 27 that the Face Coverings Order for some outdoor settings will be relaxed, effective April 30, and thats ome outdoor industries will open effective May 10. The steps come as average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations have been dropping. Massachusetts has the highest rates of first vaccine doses and total doses administered per capita, among states with more than 5 million people. 

Face Coverings Order 
Effective April 30, face coverings will only be required outside 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 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.

Industries and Gathering Changes
Large venues such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas, and ballparks currently open at 12% capacity will be allowed to increase capacity to 25% as of May 10. The Commonwealth will allow some outdoor industries including amusement parks, theme parks, and outdoor water parksto operate at a 50% 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.

Effective 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. Additional industries will be permitted to open including:

• Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals, at 50% 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.
• 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.

Effective August 1
Subject to public health and vaccination data, remaining industries will be permitted to open 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% for all industries, with businesses encouraged to continue following best practices. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

For more information, visit: mass.gov/reopening