BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — New COVID-19 restrictions went into effect in Massachusetts the day after Christmas, further limiting capacity restrictions in public and private spaces in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
The state's updated capacity restrictions include a 25 percent limit for businesses like restaurants, retail businesses, personal services, theaters, casinos and other indoor recreational activities.
The new limit also impacts office spaces, places of worship, libraries, museums and gyms and fitness facilities. Indoor gatherings will be capped at 10 people, while outdoor gatherings will be capped at 25 people.
Governor Baker said the state's updated gathering limits apply to private homes, events and all public spaces.
Read More: Governor Baker Announces Additional Massachusetts Covid-19 Restrictions
Hospitals in the Commonwealth will also be directed to postpone or cancel all nonessential inpatient elective procedures, in order to maintain hospital capacity.
Gov. Baker said the new gathering limitations would be implemented in an effort to slow the continuing surge of COVID-19 in Massachusetts.
In the past month, the state's seven-day average number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has more than doubled, and the seven-day average number of COVID-19 deaths has almost doubled.
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Written by Brit Smith
(Photo: Getty Images)