COVID Restrictions Loosen in Massachusetts

Several of the restrictions put in place in Massachusetts to stop the spread of COVID-19 were lifted as of today. Governor Charlie Baker announced the loosening of the restrictions last week during his daily briefing on Thursday.

The 9:30 p.m. curfew on businesses and the state's stay-at-home order that asked people not to go out between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. has been lifted.

The Governor said last week that hospitalizations are down by 10 percent since they peaked in early January. As of then, there were 2,209 individuals in the hospital, which is down from 2,428 on January 4th. The average positive test rate for COVID-19 has gone down by 33 percent since the beginning of January from 8.7 percent to 5.8 percent. The 7-day average of cases is down by about 30 percent since its peak in January from 6,120 down to 4,528.

Businesses that are now allowed to operate past 9:30 p.m. include: restaurants; arcades and other indoor and outdoor recreation; indoor and outdoor events; movie theaters and outdoor performance venues; drive-in theaters; amateur sports activities; golf facilities; recreational boating and boating businesses; other recreational experiences; casinos and horse racing tracks; driving and flight schools; zoos, botanical gardens; wildlife and nature centers; close contact personal services; museums; guided tours; gyms and fitness centers; and indoor/outdoor pools.

The lifting of the Stay-at-Home Advisory also means liquor stores and restaurants that sell alcohol can do so after 9:30 p.m. Businesses part of Phase 3 Step 2 must still remain closed.

The 25 percent capacity and gathering limit will remain in place until February 8th.