With state and Island Covid-19 cases in sharp decline, Gov. Charlie Baker has forged ahead with the state’s slow reopening process, moving to expand capacity at indoor venues starting Monday. Stadiums will be allowed to reopen at strict capacity limits starting March 22.
Case counts on the Island have stayed low too in recent days, with two cases reported Monday from the weekend.
According to the governor’s announcement, made last Thursday, capacity limits across all sectors of the economy — including gyms, concert venues and recreational activities — will be raised from 40 per cent to 50 per cent as part of the state’s move to phase 3, step two of its reopening plan.
Restaurants and indoor dining facilities, which have been allowed to operate at 40 per cent capacity, will no longer have any percentage capacity limits, the governor said. But they will still be required to limit tables to six people and keep diners six feet apart, according to state social distancing guidelines.
Musical performances, barred from indoor venues since early in the pandemic, will be allowed to return to restaurants.
Starting March 22, the state will move into phase 4 of its reopening plan, allowing indoor and outdoor sports stadiums, arena and ballparks with more than 5,000 person capacity to open with 12 per cent of their total volume — just in time for the Red Sox opening day, on April 1.
Bars and other nightlife venues will remain closed.
“Opening Day is in our near future,” Lieut. Gov. Karyn Polito said.
The state’s four-phased reopening process had been on pause since cases started to surge in the fall. The governor rolled back certain parts of the plan after a post-Thanksgiving surge, and has taken a cautious approach in the months since — even as certain aspects of the economy have reopened in neighboring states.
Meanwhile, Island case rates recently hit their lowest levels since late October.
Edgartown and Oak Bluffs have been downgraded to low-risk communities for Covid-19 spread, according to state metrics. Tisbury remains a moderate risk community for Covid-19 spread. In January, all three down-Island towns were rated as high risk communities.
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