Governor Baker Issues Stay at Home Advisory and Three Orders Aimed at Curbing Rising COVID-19 Cases

CLIENT ALERT

By: Michael J. Lambert

November 3, 2020

On November 2, 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued a series of sweeping but “targeted” new measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19 across the Commonwealth.  The measures go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020.

Key provisions in the Governor’s Advisory and Orders Nos. 53, 54 and 55 include the following:

  • A stay at home advisory from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. except for necessary activities (such as work or school, grocery shopping, addressing health needs, or taking a walk).
  • Many businesses, including virtually all entertainment-related businesses —theaters, casinos, event venues, museums, salons and gyms – must close by 9:30 p.m. Restaurants must stop table service at 9:30 p.m., but can continue with takeout orders.
  • Indoor gatherings are now limited to 10 people.
  • Outdoor gatherings are now limited to 25 people.
  • The limit on gatherings at event venues and other public spaces remains the same: for indoor events, the maximum is 25 across the state; for outdoor events, the limit is 100 in communities designated as “lower-risk” and 50 for communities designated as “high risk.”
  • Masks are required in public locations (including businesses open to the public) for those over the age of 5, even if able to maintain 6 feet of distance. Covered locations include public ways (when not in a personal vehicle) and public transit.

Links to the Revised Orders on Stay at Home Advisory, Early Closings, Public Gatherings and Masking are provided below.