By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Boston, MA) Baker announced a new set of initiatives to stop the spread of COVID-19 on Friday, August 7. Baker said that Step 2 in Phase 3 has been postponed indefinitely. The uptick in cases, Baker said, is attributed to gatherings that are too big and too crowded for the COVID-19 guidelines put in place to manage the spread of the virus.
“If you give this virus the opportunity to spread, it will,” said Baker.
Baker signed an executive order limiting the amount of people permitted in an outdoor gatherings to 50 people. The guidance for indoor gatherings remain at 25. Baker’s executive order also mandates that alcohol can only be consumed at a restaurant with food. All state and local police officers are authorized to enforce the restrictions on gatherings in the Commonwealth. Baker also announced The COVID Enforcement and Intervention Team, to bring together state agencies and to coordinate the fight against COVID-19 in Massachusetts.