MA Slows Reopening, Adds New Restrictions Amid Coronavirus Uptick
BOSTON — A fed-up Gov. Charlie Baker announced several steps to stem the spread of the coronavirus amid a recent rise in cases across Massachusetts.
Baker said Friday the next part of phase three of the state's reopening was indefinitely postponed, limits on outdoor gatherings will be cut in half, police are authorized to enforce public health orders and restaurants can only sell alcohol along with food.
Baker said people are getting "a bit too relaxed" and too many large gatherings have contributed to an increase in the spread of the coronavirus. Baker said the restrictions will help keep the economy open and give students an opportunity to return to school.
The limit for outdoor gatherings was cut to 50, while the limit for inside gathering was kept at 25. The gathering restrictions, which go into effect Tuesday, are for all public and private venues. Any event hosts who violate them or don't proper social distancing will be subject to fines.
"In some respects we're entering a new phase in our battle against COVID-19," Baker said.
Baker also said the state will be add additional public health data to the weekly town-by-town coronavirus case data beginning Wednesday. The state will work with communities particularly struggling with the virus to stop the spread, including requesting federal aid and possibly imposing further restrictions at the local level.
Baker pointed out a handful of towns, such as Chatham, Falmouth and Winthrop, where large gatherings have taken place, leading to coronavirus outbreaks. He said fines can be expected for a Gardner hotel, which reportedly hosted a wedding with more than 300 people.
"These parties are too big, too crowded and people are simply not being responsible," Baker said.
State and local police will now enforce the orders, which were previously enforced by local health officials.
Baker also announced the creation of a COVID-19 enforcement and intervention team to help enforce the orders in communities identified as high-risk. The multi-agency team will be tasked with targeted interventions and inspections and enforcing specific guidances for businesses, among other things.
Restaurant guidelines were updated and restaurants can only sell alcohol for on-site consumption if accompanied on-site food orders.
"Bars masquerading as restaurants also need to be closed," Baker said.
The initiatives indicate the first step back Massachusetts has had in the fight against COVID-19 in some time. The state, which had seen coronavirus metrics improve markedly after being one of the nation's hot spots for the virus, was recently implored by a top federal health official to be proactive.
On Thursday, White House coronavirus coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said Boston's rise in cases is alarming and the city needs to "get on top" of the situation.
This article originally appeared on the Boston Patch
