April 27, 2021 Update
Receive COVID-19 updates by text and/or email by signing up here.
State Announces Easing of Outdoor Mask Requirement, Other Reopening Steps
Governor Baker announced today that starting Friday, April 30th, face coverings will no longer be required to be worn outdoors in Massachusetts, except for situations where it is not possible to maintain social distance and when required by business-specific guidelines. The CDC today also announced that masks are no longer necessary outdoors for fully vaccinated people when distance can be maintained.
Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public spaces in Massachusetts. Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking.
Re-Opening Guidance
In addition to relaxing the outdoor mask rules, the Governor announced the timeline for reopening businesses and expanding gathering limits as follows:
May 10, 2021
- Large venues such as 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%.
- Phase 4, Step 2 industries including amusement parks, theme parks and outdoor water parks that will be permitted to operate at a 50% capacity after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health.
- 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 also be permitted indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.
May 29, 2021
Subject to public health and vaccination data:
- Gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings.
- Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals can occur, at 50% of their previous capacity and after submitting safety plans to the local board of health.
- Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries can re-open, will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90 minute limit and no dance floors.
- Restaurant guidance will be updated to eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol and to increase the maximum table size to 10.
August 1, 2021
Subject to public health and vaccination data:
- Dance clubs, and nightclubs can re-open
- Saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs and other facilities can re-open
- Indoor water parks can re-open
- Ball pits can re-open
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 more information, visit mass.gov/reopening.