Mass. halts economic reopening indefinitely, lowers gathering size from 100 to 50

Photo | SHNS Gov. Charlie Baker

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The second part of the Phase Three of the Massachusetts economic reopening plan has been suspended indefinitely, Gov. Charlie Baker announced on Friday, along with a slew of other changes intended to stop the spread of COVID-19, as cases and related deaths have slowly begun to increase.

The second step of the now suspended Phase Three includes indoor movie theaters and other indoor activities with a large propensity for close contact, including laser tag, roller skating, trampolines and obstacle courses. Bars, originally part of that step, were previously moved to Phase Four, which also includes nightclubs and large venues.

Baker did not roll back any of the previous phases or business reopenings.

The first step of Phase Three began on July 6. When he announced the reopening plan in May, Baker said there would be at least three weeks between each phase, before later splitting some phases into two steps.

On top of the postponement, Baker is reducing the limit on outdoor gatherings to 50 people, down from 100. The indoor gathering limit will remain at 25 people. The Baker Administration noted in its announcement these rules apply to gatherings on both public and private property.

Additionally, face coverings will be required when more than 10 people from different households are in the same place. All of these new restrictions go into place on Tuesday.

Restaurants are facing tightened restrictions. The Baker Administration announced restaurants may only serve alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption if they are ordered along with food, which must be prepared on-site, contending it is taking action to make sure bars masquerading as restaurants are closed.

Although public discourse has tussled over whether or not these types of rules are enforceable, the Baker Administration said on Friday state and local law enforcement have the jurisdiction to make sure the regulations are followed. Those who violate the rules will be subject to fines and cease-and-desist orders.

The announcement comes one day after news the Colonial Hotel in Gardner allegedly held two wedding-related events last weekend, totaling nearly 500 guests. The hotel was reportedly charged $300 in fines for each violation.