BOSTON (WPRI) — Since Labor Day, coronavirus cases in Massachusetts are up 278% while hospitalizations have risen by 145%, according to public health data.
As a result, Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday announced new restrictions that go into effect on Friday, Nov. 6.
“We’ve let down our guard and we have work to do,” he said. “If we do nothing and stay on the track we are on now, we will create capacity problems for our health care system by the end of the calendar year.”
On Monday, the Mass. Department of Health reported 725 new coronavirus cases, and nine additional COVID-19 related deaths.
A new data point has also been added, “Case Growth by Age Group.” The highest number of cases reported in 0-19 year-olds with 2,701 cases.
The data also shows 469 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19, with 96 people in the intensive care unit. The average age of those hospitalized is 67, according to health officials.
Full breakdown of today’s COVID-19 data (Mass.gov) »
Baker said he revised his Stay At Home Advisory which now instructs residents to stay home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., with the exception of going to work, running critical errands or taking a walk.
“What we should not do to deal with these trends is shut down our economy or close our schools,” Baker added.
Read the revised Stay At Home order »
Baker also issued a new executive order requiring certain businesses and activities to be closed from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. to coincide with the Stay At Home Advisory:
- Restaurants (in-person dining must cease at 9:30 p.m., though takeout and delivery may continue for food and non-alcoholic beverages)
- Liquor stores and other retail establishments that sell alcohol must cease alcohol sales at 9:30 p.m. (but may continue to sell other products)
- Adult-use marijuana sales must cease at 9:30 p.m. (not including medical marijuana)
- Indoor and outdoor events
- Theaters/movie theaters (including drive-ins) and performance venues (indoor and outdoor)
- Youth and adult sports
- Golf facilities
- Recreational boating and boating businesses
- Outdoor recreational experiences
- Casinos and horse tracks/simulcast facilities
- Driving and flight schools
- Zoos, botanical gardens, wildlife reserves, nature centers
- Close-contact personal services (such as hair and nail salons)
- Gyms, fitness centers and health clubs
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Museums/cultural and historical facilities/guided tours
Read the full executive order »
In addition, Baker signed an updated order saying that people must wear face coverings in all public places, even when able to maintain six feet of distance from others.
He also reduced the size of gatherings at private residences to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Violations may result in fines of $500 per person above the limit.
The limit on gatherings in public spaces and event venues remains the same.
Under the order, all gatherings must end by 9:30 p.m.
