By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Massachusetts) Today, Governor Charlie Baker blamed the Federal Government once again for the struggles of the Massachusetts vaccine roll out. Baker said it will probably take more than a month for anyone who is newly eligible for a vaccine to receive an appointment.
Baker also announced Massachusetts will once again move into Phase 3 Step 2 on March 1, and later in March will roll into Phase 4 Step 1 which includes indoor and outdoor stadiums and ball parks, that can open at 50% capacity with no more than 500 people. Arcades, museums, and theatres will be open at 50% capacity and employees will be excluded. Restaurants will be able to have live music once again but six foot social distancing measures, table limits of six people, and a time limit of 90 minutes will remain in place. Effective Monday, fitting rooms will be able to open in all retail businesses. For private settings, gathering limits will remain the same during Phase 3 Step 2 and Phase 4 Step 1. Summer camps will also be permitted to open during the summer under Phase 4 Step 1. Large venues will be required to submit a plan for reopening prior to their reopening date. Businesses in later stages of Phase 4 will still have to wait for reopening plans. Phase 4 reopening plans are contingent upon the public health data trending in the correct direction said Governor Baker.