Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2020, Massachusetts will implement temporary capacity limits to stop the spread of COVID-19 as cases and hospitalizations rise. Businesses must adhere to the following capacity limitations. The revised limits below supersede existing limits in the Phase 3, Step 1 Sector-Specific Protocols. Except for the specified adjustments to capacity limitations, all other terms of COVID-19 gatherings order (including exceptions) and all sector-specific workplace safety rules remain unchanged. These limits are in effect until January 10, 2021 unless further extended by the Governor.
| Sector | Revised Capacity Limits† | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gatherings (adjusting Order No. 57) | 10 persons indoors
25 persons outdoors |
applies to both private homes and event venues and public spaces |
| Restaurants | 25% of seating capacity | (a) workers/staff excluded from occupancy count;
(b) applies separately to indoor and outdoor capacity |
| Close Contact Personal Services | 25% | workers/staff excluded from occupancy count |
| Indoor and Outdoor Events | 10 persons indoors
25 persons outdoors |
workers/staff excluded from occupancy count |
| Theaters and Performance Venues
(Indoor performance venues remain closed) |
Movie theaters – 25% and maximum 50 people
Outdoor performance venues – 25% and maximum 25 people |
|
| Casinos | 25% | MGC to re-issue capacity rules as necessary |
| Office Spaces | 25% | |
| Places of Worship | 25% | workers/staff excluded from occupancy count |
| Retail Businesses | 25% | workers/staff excluded from occupancy count |
| Driving and Flight Schools | 25% | |
| Golf Facilities | 25% | applies only to indoor spaces |
| Libraries | 25% | |
| Operators of Lodgings | 25% | applies only to common areas |
| Arcades & Other Indoor & Outdoor Recreation Businesses | 25% | |
| Fitness Centers and Health Clubs | 25% | |
| Museums / Cultural & Historical Facilities / Guided Tours by vehicles and vessels | 25% | |
| Sectors Not Otherwise Addressed | 25% | |
| Common Areas in facilities subject to EEA-issued COVID-19 safety rules | 25% | applies only to indoor spaces and excludes youth and amateur sports facilities |
To see the Executive Orders and checklists in their entirety please Mass.gov.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Naomi Libran at 617-466-4152 or email her at nlibran@chelseama.gov.