Governor Charlie Baker recently announced he would be tightening the restrictions on outdoor and restaurant gatherings starting Tuesday, August 11.
With the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, Gov. Charlie Baker announced earlier on Friday, August 7, the Massachusetts government would be imposing a new set of initiatives, including “stricter statewide rules for public and private gatherings and targeted community guidance.”
“This uptick in cases and reports of people not adhering to guidance we have put forth here in Massachusetts means we cannot move forward at this time, or any time soon in the near future,” said Baker in a public statement.
While we've seen a decrease in #COVID19MA cases + hospitalizations since May, there's been a slight uptick in certain communities in recent days.
Today we announced stricter rules for public and private gatherings + targeted enhanced enforcement.
➡️MORE: https://t.co/0N7akLIwb6 pic.twitter.com/fYLTMcaW2H
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) August 7, 2020
Here’s the full breakdown of the new state-wide gathering order expected to go into effect on Tuesday, August 11:
- Reduce the limit on outdoor gatherings from 100 to 50 people (indoor gatherings limit will remain at 25 people)
- Apply these limits to all types of gatherings, on both public and private property
- Require face coverings where more than 10 people from different households will be mixing.
Restaurant guidelines have also been updated to restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages only for on-site consumption accompanied by a food order also for on-site consumption.
Additionally, Governor Baker announced step two of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan has been postponed indefinitely also due to the rise in cases.
Also starting on Tuesday, August 11, the Administration will be reporting additional town-by-town data that will be published weekly to show the spread of COVID-19 at a community level. Free COVID-19 testing will also be extended through to September 12.
See also: Rhode Island Has Been Taken Off Of Massachusetts’ Lower Risk State List
[featured image: Osman Rana, Unsplash]