Key dates of Massachusetts reopening plan, as outdoor mask mandate relaxed

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By RICK SOBEY | rick.sobey@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald
April 28, 2021

Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced a series of key dates for reopening the state amid the coronavirus vaccine rollout as virus cases, hospitalizations and deaths trend in a positive direction.

Here is the Bay State’s timeline:

  • April 30
    • The outdoor mask mandate will be relaxed.
    • Masks will only be required outside in public when people cannot socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance.
    • Masks will still be required at all times in indoor public places.
    • Masks will also continue to be required at events — whether indoors or outdoors — except for when eating or drinking.
  • May 10
    • Large venues — such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks currently open at 12% capacity — can increase to 25% capacity.
    • Amusement parks, theme parks and outdoor water parks can open at 50% capacity.
    • Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events can take place with staggered starts.
    • Youth and adult amateur sports tournaments will be allowed for moderate- and high-risk sports.
    • Singing will also be allowed indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.
  • May 29
    • Gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings.
    • Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals will be allowed at 50% of their previous capacity.
    • Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90-minute limit and no dance floors.
    • Restaurant guidance will be updated to eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol, and to increase the maximum table size to 10.
  • August 1
    • All industry restrictions will be lifted and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries — with businesses encouraged to continue following best practices.
    • The gathering limit will be rescinded.
    • Dance clubs and nightclubs can open.
    • Saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs and other facilities can open.
    • Indoor water parks can open.
    • Ball pits will be allowed.

Depending on vaccine distribution and public health data, the Baker administration may consider reevaluating the Aug. 1 date.