Massachusetts COVID reopening plan enters into Phase 4 Monday; Heres what you need to know – MassLive.com

Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase 4 in the COVID-19 reopening plan on Monday, March 22, which allows for a range of previously closed businesses and venues to open under capacity restrictions.

Those restrictions are expected to be adjusted over time if Massachusetts sees favorable trends in coronavirus statistics.

The change comes as Massachusetts health officials labeled 20 cities and towns as at high risk for spreading the virus, an increase from the prior 14 communities listed, but still much lower the past numbers.

Fenway Park and the TD Garden in Boston along with Gillette Stadium in Foxborough and the nearly completed Polar Park in Worcester will be allowed to have fans in the stands under the first step of Phase 4.

Those stadiums along with other large entertainment venues will be allowed to open under a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health.

The newest change by the Baker administration states that on March 22 the gathering limits for public events will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors.

Outdoor gatherings at private residents and in private backyards remains at a maximum of 25 people with indoor house gatherings also still remaining at 10 people.

Dance floors will also be permitted at weddings and other events only, and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this summer.

The Baker administration is allowing for exhibition and convention halls to open as long as the gathering limits and event protocols are followed.

Several businesses and parks still remain closed under the newest phase. Theme parks, amusement parks and indoor and outdoor water parks are closed still along with bars that are not providing seating for food services.

Ball pits, saunas, hot-tubs and steam rooms still remain closed along with dance clubs and nightclubs. Street festivals, road races and other festivals along with parades remain shut down.

The coronavirus travel restrictions for Massachusetts residents will also be eased on Monday. The travel order will be replaced with a travel advisory.

The travel advisory encourages, but does not require, residents entering or returning to Massachusetts to quarantine for 10 days if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more.

Travelers who tested negative for COVID-19 up to three days before entering the Bay State and travelers who were fully vaccinated at least two weeks ago, as well as workers who commute into the state or leave the state for work, are exempt.

The advisory does not apply to anyone in the following categories:

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Massachusetts COVID reopening plan enters into Phase 4 Monday; Heres what you need to know - MassLive.com