Governor Charlie Baker announced on Monday, November 2, that all Massachusetts residents over five years old are required to wear a mask while in public, and residents should remain at home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The governor stated the Commonwealth will impose a 9:30 p.m. closing time for most activities at indoor recreational venues, including inside dining at restaurants. The new restrictions will begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday, November 6.
"What we should not do, to deal with these trends, is shut down our economy or close our schools," Baker said during his news conference on Monday to announce new measures to combat the rise in COVID-19 cases across the state.
"Since Labor Day, which is 55 days ago, the number of new cases per day has grown by almost 300 percent and over the same period of time, the number of people hospitalized on a daily basis is increased by 145 percent," said Baker. "Those trends are obviously heading in the wrong direction...and the data point to a clear need to do something about these trends."
According to the order, theaters, casinos, and other entertainment-based businesses must close by 9:30 p.m. Restaurants are required to stop table service and liquor sales at 9:30 p.m., but can continue to serve takeout. He also said private gatherings are limited to 10 people or fewer for indoor events, and 25 or fewer attendees at outdoor gatherings. All gatherings, whether inside or outside, need to end by 9:30 p.m.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said that he had spoken with Governor Baker about the new orders and supports them "wholeheartedly."
Since a spike in COVID-19 cases that occurred during the week of September 7-13, Boston College has had continued success in controlling the spread of the virus on campus. Overall since August 16, the University has conducted 79,229 tests, with a total of 251 positive cases for an overall positivity rate of 0.31%, well below the state average of 1.8 %.
More information:
New Massachusetts Stay at Home Advisory
New Face Covering Order
New Gathering Order
New Early Closing Order
University Communications / November 2, 2020