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Mass. still waiting for next step of Phase 3 to start

BOSTON — Two and a half weeks ago, Gov. Charlie Baker paused Phase 3 of Massachusetts reopening indefinitely.

At that time, the positive test rate in Massachusetts was at 2.1%. It fell a full percentage point since then. Now the question remains -- when will Massachusetts continue with Phase 3 reopening?

Still waiting to open are indoor activity centers including skating rinks, laser tag parks and performance venues.

A little over two weeks ago, Gov. Baker also cut back outdoor gathering limits from 100 people to 50 people.

In early August, he implemented the travel mandate, requiring anyone traveling to Massachusetts from anywhere but New England or New York to show proof of a negative coronavirus test or quarantine for 14 days.

On Wednesday, new numbers from individual towns and cities will be released. As of last week there were still about 10 communities listed in the red zone -- the state’s highest risk level.