New Safety Protocols for Businesses and Residents
Governor Baker and Lt. Gov. Polito announced new safety protocols for businesses and residents. These are targeted measures to intervene and disrupt rising trends in the health data. The work is to keep our businesses and schools open.
The effective date of all orders and advisories was on Friday 11/6/2020.
See graphics summarizing new Executive Orders HERE>
DPH Announces Stay at Home Advisory: Stay home between 10pm and 5am. This would still allow activities such as going to work, running essential errands, and taking a walk.
Early Closure of Businesses Executive Order: The following establishments are required to close to the public (not to staff) by 9:30pm: – Restaurants, including Food Courts (except for takeout/delivery, no alcohol sales after 9:30pm) – No Retail Alcohol and Adult-Use Marijuana sales after 9:30pm (retail stores may remain * open to sell other products) – Arcades & Other Indoor & Outdoor Recreation – Indoor and Outdoor Events – Theaters/Movie Theaters and Performance Venues (indoor and outdoor) – Drive-In Movie Theaters – Youth and Adult Amateur Sports Activities – Golf Facilities – Recreational Boating and Boating Businesses – Outdoor Recreational Experiences – Casinos and Horse Tracks/Simulcast Facilities – Driving and Flight Schools – Zoos, Botanical Gardens, Wildlife Reserves, Nature Centers – Close Contact Personal Services (such as hair and nail salons) – Museums/Cultural & Historical Facilities/Guided Tours – Gyms/Fitness Centers and Health Clubs – Indoor and Outdoor Pools
Gatherings Executive Order: All gatherings, in public and private spaces, must end and disperse by 9:30pm, except for religious and political gatherings. The size for indoor gatherings at private residences is reduced to 10 (from 25) and the size for outdoor gatherings at private residences reduced to 25 (from 50). Indoor gatherings at public spaces and venues (e.g. wedding venues) remains at 25 and outdoor gatherings at public spaces and venues (e.g. wedding venues) remains at 50 in Phase III, Step 1 communities, and 100 in Phase III, Step 2 communities. Fines for violating the order will be $500 for every person over the limit.
Face Coverings Executive Order: Updated language so that a face covering would be required in any public space, regardless of distancing. Additionally, allows employers and schools to require employees and students who claim to be unable to wear a face covering because of a medical or disabling condition to provide proof. Also, requires face coverings in cars if carpooling with anyone outside of your household.
Continue to monitor updated information on Mass.gov/reopening.
