By JEFF TIRRELL
(BOSTON) –With Covid-19 cases once again surging across Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker has announced a return to Phase 3 Step 1. The rollback will take effect on Sunday.
Businesses that will close because of the change include indoor performance and high contact indoor recreational facilities. Businesses that are open will reduce capacity to 40%, and restaurant tables will return to a maximum of six people. Limits on outdoor gatherings will go from 100 to 50 at venues, and anyone hosting private outdoor gatherings of more than 25 people will need to notify their local board of health.
“Here we are today, 12 days past Thanksgiving, and new infections and hospitalizations are showing disturbing trends”, said Baker.
According to Baker, confirmed COVID hospitalizations have increased by about 150%, and confirmed cases in the ICU have increased by about 110% in the last four weeks. Eleven hospitals across the state are now reporting fewer than 10% of adult inpatient beds open and available.
Lt. Gov. Kayrn Polito said, “These restrictions today are targeted ways we can fight back again the second surge of the virus. I urge the public and all industries to take this seriously so that we can keep our businesses open and our economy running.”