By Beth David, Editor
Massachusetts is proceeding with the Phase 4 reopening plans as set out by Governor Charlie Baker..
These are some highlights of the upcoming changes. For details, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/ reopening-massachusetts
Effective on May 10
Large venues such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks currently open as part of Phase 4, Step 1 at 12% will be permitted to increase capacity to 25%.
The Commonwealth will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries including amusement parks, theme parks and outdoor water parks that will be permitted to operate at a 50% capacity after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health.
Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events will be permitted to take place with staggered starts after submitting safety plans to a local board of health or the DPH.
Youth and adult amateur sports tournaments will be allowed for moderate and high risk sports.
Singing will also be permitted indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.
Effective on May 29, Subject to public health and vaccination data:
Gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings.
Additional Phase 4, Step 2 industries will be permitted to open including: Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals, at 50% of their previous capacity and after submitting safety plans to the local board of health; Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries, will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90 minute limit and no dance floors.
The restaurant guidance will be updated to eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol and to increase the maximum table size to 10.
Effective on August 1
Subject to public health and vaccination data, remaining industries will be permitted to open including dance clubs, and nightclubs, saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs and other facilities, indoor water parks and ball pits.
All industry restrictions will be lifted at that time, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries, with businesses encouraged to continue following best practices.
The gathering limit will be rescinded. Depending on vaccine distribution and public health data, the Administration may consider re-evaluating the August 1 date.
Latest numbers
On May 3, Massachusetts had 718 new cases of COVID 19, bringing the total to 648,967; five new deaths were also recorded, bringing the total to 17,293 confirmed COVID 19 deaths in Mass. There are 516 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, 136 are in Intensive Care Units, and 85 are intubated.
For more information, visit https://www.mass.gov/
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 5/6/21 issue: 05-06-21 BaskFreeTrees
