Massachusetts Will Delay Reopening Plans ‘Indefinitely’ To Curb Spread Of Coronavirus

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has postponed the plan to reopen the state indefinitely while imposing stricter restrictions on gatherings and restaurants to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Massachusetts is experiencing an increase in coronavirus cases in certain communities in recent days, with Baker citing several pool parties, house parties, and holiday celebrations that were not in compliance with state mandates.

"Due to that slight uptick in positive cases, we are indefinitely postponing step two of phase three in our reopening process," Baker said Friday at a coronavirus briefing.

“We cannot move forward at this time, or anytime soon in the near future," he added.

At the same time, Baker announced that starting Tuesday, all outdoor gatherings would be limited from 100 to 50 people both on public and private properties. The state previously restricted indoor gatherings to 25 people, an order that will remain in effect.

The mandate from Baker also requires face masks in instances when 10 or more people would be mixing from different households.

Restaurants are also required to only serve alcohol onsite if accompanied by food orders. Baker said, “bars masquerading as restaurants will be closed.”

Massachusetts will enforce the news measures through state and local law enforcement. There will also be a crackdown on event hosts that hold large gatherings in violation of the orders, who will be subject to fines or cease and desist orders.

Massachusetts has reported over 119,800 positive cases of the coronavirus, with over 8,600 COVID-19 deaths as of Friday mid-afternoon, according to Johns Hopkins University.