Newton Restaurants Can Return To 40 Percent Capacity

NEWTON, MA —Businesses across the state and in Newton will be able to operate at 40 percent capacity starting Feb. 8, Gov. Charlie Baker said, citing "dramatic declines" in coronavirus positive test rates and hospitalizations statewide.

Newton restaurant owners said the move from 25 percent capacity restriction in place since Christmas to 40 percent is a big step forward.

"I think it will have a positive impact," said Alex Iliades who co-owns Farm Grill & Rotisserie on Needham Street. "We'll be able to add two more tables, to seat about eight more people indoors, and that will definitely be a plus. I hope this lift will help people feel a little more comfortable and come out and eat."

The 25 percent capacity restriction went into effect on Dec. 26 after a surge in virus rates following Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas. It was extended twice.

"People's work is paying off," Baker said during his Thursday news conference. "We just need to keep it up for a few more months."

The easing restrictions affect offices, stores, restaurants, gyms, fitness centers, museums, libraries, personal-care businesses and churches. Employees do not count toward the 40 percent limit.

The positive test rate reached a high of 8.6 percent in early January — after falling as low as 0.8 percent in September — but was back down to 3.3 percent as of Wednesday.

Baker said hospitalizations are also down 33 percent since they peaked early last month.

"The data has gotten better. Because the data got better we are making some adjustments," Baker said. "These are very difficult decisions and very tough times for people involved in these businesses."

The eased capacity restrictions come two weeks after the state eliminated the 9:30 p.m. business curfew that had been in place for two months.

Read more: 'Scary Time': Newton Restaurants On New Pandemic Regulations

Other restrictions listed in Phase One of Step Three of the state's coronavirus reopening —which keep certain businesses, such as larger indoor recreation and entertainment venues, closed — will continue until what Baker said is "further data that shows sustained improvement."

The 90-minute dining and six-person limit at restaurant tables also remain.

How New Capacity Restrictions Could Impact Newton ...

As of Feb. 3 there have been 3,228 people who have tested positive for the virus in Newton. Of those cases, 188 people have died, according to city data.

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.