Starting Tuesday, March 17th, all Massachusetts restaurants and bars are ordered to close for on-site service and open only for take-out and delivery, said Gov. Charlie Baker at a Sunday press conference. The closure will last at least through April 5th, with a potential for further extension. The dramatic action is directly intended to slow the spread of coronavirus in the State.
Baker also ordered that all types of public and private gatherings will be limited to 25 people or fewer. The limit does not apply to grocery stores or pharmacies but does to concerts, faith-based events, fairs, meetings, conference rooms, fitness centers, private clubs and theaters. It does not matter if the space is indoors or outdoors.
“I realize these measures are unprecedented,” said Baker at the Sunday press conference. “But we’re asking residents to understand the rationale and take seriously this idea of social distancing.”
The State restriction supersedes an early announcement by the City of Boston for restaurants to reduce capacity by 50%.
Eateries without take-out licenses will be allowed to temporarily offer the service. View the official order at this pdf.
I guess my AA meetings are done. I must be cured. Thank you corona virus.
👍😁
April 7th, not 17th
I just rec’d the order and it’s actually April 5th:
https://www.mass.gov/doc/march-15-2020-large-gatherings-25-and-restaurants-order/download
Post updated.
Should be interesting closing bars in Boston on March 17th. What happens if they all tell Charley to take a hike?