MEDFORD, Mass (WBZ NewsRadio) — New Covid-19 guidelines took effect in Massachusetts on Friday, and some local restaurant owners are concerned about how they will survive with the new coronavirus restrictions.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced the new rules on Monday, in response to a growing number of Covid-19 cases across the Commonwealth.
The series of executive orders includes a curfew on restaurants, who are required to stop table service by 9:30 p.m. After that time they are still allowed to do takeout orders. Liquor stores must also stop providing alcohol after 9:30 p.m.
George Yiotis, the owner of Dempsey's Breakfast and Lunch in Medford, told WBZ's James Rojas that the new guidelines could make it harder for his business to stay afloat.
"We had a tough time staying alive in the beginning of the year with the first three months," Yiotis said. "And now this again, it's going to make us wonder if we're going to stay alive."
He added that reopening indoor and outdoor dining in the state helped his restaurant pay the bills and remain in operation, and the new guidelines make it "really difficult" for owners with the updated curfew.
Along with added restrictions for restaurants, the limit for private and public gatherings has also been reduced to no more than 10 people for indoor and no more than 25 for outdoor.
Gov. Baker has also ordered a stay-at-home advisory for Massachusetts residents from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
WBZ NewsRadio James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports.
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