4.30.2021
Staff Contribution
As you may know, the Baker-Polito Administration recently announced plans for the continued reopening of the Commonwealth’s economy through the spring and summer as public health metrics continue to trend in a positive direction.
Below is a summary of each milestone (all subject to public health and vaccination data):
Effective Today, Friday, April 30
- Face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance.
- Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether indoors or outdoors, and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking.
- At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required.
Effective Monday, May 10
- Large venues (including 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%.
- Some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries including amusement parks, theme parks, and outdoor water parks will be permitted to operate at a 50% capacity after submitting safety plans to the DPH.
- 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 be permitted indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues, and other businesses.
Effective Saturday, May 29
- Gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings, and private settings.
- The restaurant guidance will be updated, eliminating the requirement for food to be served with alcohol, and increasing the maximum table size to 10.
- 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.
Effective Sunday, August 1
- Remaining industries will be permitted to open including:
- Dance clubs and nightclubs
- Saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs
- Indoor water parks
- 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.
For full details about the reopening plan, please click here.
For more information on the status of reopening in New Bedford and other important news, visit New Bedford’s COVID-19 page.
