Statewide rollback to Step 1 of Phase 3 begins Sunday

WOBURN, Mass. — All Massachusetts communities have officially rolled back to Step 1 of Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced the new restrictions last week, as COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb following Thanksgiving.

The rollback took effect Sunday, Dec. 13. Some businesses had to close again, including indoor theaters and performance venues and higher-contact indoor recreation businesses, like trampoline parks and roller-skating rinks.

Restaurants are also facing new restrictions. New guidelines for restaurants and other 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 at restaurants will no longer be permitted
• Food court seating must be closed in malls

Many businesses must also decrease their capacity from 50% to 40%. They include:

• Arcades/indoor and outdoor recreational businesses
• Driving and flight schools
• Gyms/health clubs
• Libraries
• Museums
• Retail
• Offices
• Places of worship
• Lodging (common areas)
• Golf facilities
• Movie theaters (maximum 50 people per theater)

Masks are also now required at all times in gyms and in offices, unless a person is alone in their own workspace.

Cox Media Group