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State Moves Forward on Economic Re-Opening

Posted on February 25, 2021

Massachusetts will move forward with the re-opening of its economy during March, allowing indoor performance venues to re-open, restaurants to operate without a percentage seating capacity and event venues to welcome additional customers.

Governor Charlie Baker announced today that the commonwealth will move to Phase 3 Step 2 of its re-opening plan on March 1.  Massachusetts will then move to Phase 4 Step 1 on March 22, subject to public health data.

The March 1 changes include:

  • Indoor performance venues such as concert halls and theaters will be able to open at 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 500 people.
  • Indoor recreational activities with high potential for contact, such as laser tag, roller skating trampolines and obstacle courses, may open at 50 percent capacity.
  • A variety of industries will increase to 50 percent capacity. Those industries include arcades, close contact personal services, driving and flight schools, fitness center ands golf clubs, museums, office spaces, places of worship and libraries.
  • Restaurants will no longer be subject to a percentage seating limit. Capacity will be determined solely by the requirement to maintain six feet between tables.

“The percentage capacity restriction first adopted for restaurants in the midst of the December surge will be removed, but six-foot social distancing limits of six people per table and 90-minute limits remain in place,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said.

The changes due on March 22 are:

  • The gatherings limit will increase to 100 indoor and 150 outdoor for event venues and public settings. Limits for private settings will remain at 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.
  • Indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks will re-open with a 12 percent capacity limit. (Venues having a capacity of fewer than 5,000 people are subject to the guidance for indoor and outdoor performance venues.
  • Overnight camps will be permitted to open for the summer of 2021.
  • Exhibition and convention halls may re-open, subject to gathering limits and event rules.
  • Dance floors may open at weddings and events only.

Other Phase 4 industries such as amusement parks, bars, nightclubs and parades will not re-open until a future step.

Residents must continue to wear masks and are encouraged to avoid contact outside of their immediate households.

“Massachusetts businesses are encouraged that the commonwealth is moving forward to ensure the safe re-opening of the economy. Every step toward re-opening is a step toward economic recovery,” said Brooke Thomson, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

If you have questions about reopening or want more information, please contact: Brooke Thomson at: bthomson@aimnet.org