MA Reopening Takes Another Step: Here's What Changes Today

MASSACHUSETTS — State leaders are riding a steady decline in coronavirus cases and an increase in vaccinations to the next step of its reopening plan.

Most of Massachusetts enters Phase 3, Step 2 Monday. (Boston and Somerville are delaying lifting some restrictions until later in the month.)

"We are finally making progress on a lot of things that will dramatically, hopefully, improve people's choices as we go forward," Gov. Charlie Baker said Thursday in announcing the reopenings.

Baker's decision comes as federal health leaders warn against reopening too quickly amid positive trends.

"We cannot get comfortable or give into a false sense of security that the worst of the pandemic is behind us," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky said last week. "I know people are tired. They want to get back to life, to normal, but we’re not there yet."

Restaurants no longer have capacity percent limits, but will still need to keep seating at least 6 feet apart or separated by partitions. Other restrictions, like 90 minute seating limits and six people per table, are still in place.

Indoor live music at restaurants will be allowed with appropriate social distancing.

Many businesses, including gyms and offices, can expand to 50 percent capacity. Indoor performance venues, such as concert halls and theaters, and certain indoor recreational facilities like rollerblading can reopen to 50 percent.

Even with the expanded capacities, larger venues can not host more than 500 people.

Here's everything opening to 50 percent capacity:

• Indoor performance venues like concert halls, theaters (500-person maximum)
• Indoor recreational activities such as laser tag, roller skating, trampolines and obstacle courses
• Arcades
• Indoor and outdoor recreation businesses
• Close contact personal services
• Driving and flight schools
• Fitness centers and health clubs
• Indoor golf facilities
• Libraries
• Common spaces in lodging
• Museums
• Cultural and historic facilities
• Guided tours
• Office spaces
• Retailers
• Places of worship

Boston is holding off on some reopening measures until after St. Patrick's Day. Indoor performance venues, certain indoor recreation and live music won't begin until March 22, Mayor Marty Walsh Friday.

Somerville, which has been particularly cautious with reopening at almost every turn, will not join the rest of the state until at least March 15.

Continued positive trends in the state's coronavirus metrics would lead to fans attending pro sporting events for the first time in a year later this month. Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium and TD Garden will be able to host 12 percent of their capacities for games beginning March 22.