Capacity limits and restrictions will remain in place until January 24 said Governor Charlie Baker this afternoon in a press conference. The limits were originally set to expire January 10. Over the next two weeks Baker will continue to evaluate the data and transmission rates around Massachusetts.
“We know extending those restrictions for many businesses, especially small businesses, is a lot to ask,” said Baker.
Baker said the restrictions do not apply to K-12 schools, since the data shows that schools may resume in person learning safely and that transmission does not occur within a school environment. Baker has been a proponent of in person learning throughout the pandemic.
As for the vaccine roll out, the Governor said that there is good reason to be optimistic that the vaccine will make a difference in the pandemic. First and second doses have been administered to residents of the commonwealth according to the vaccine schedule provided by the state. More vaccine data will be made available later today regarding the progress of the vaccine in Massachusetts. On Monday, January 11 First Responders will begin to receive the vaccine.