COVID-19: Reopening in the City of Boston
Many City services adjusted hours and operations because of the crisis. We'll continue to keep this page updated with the latest information.
Latest updates
The City of Boston is now in a modified version of Phase Two, Step Two of the Reopening Massachusetts plan. Given the high COVID-19 numbers we’re seeing, we are extending this pause for at least another three weeks, until January 27.
Targeted measures include:-
General gathering: Indoor gatherings are limited to 10 persons and outdoor gatherings are limited to 25, unless sector-specific guidance allows for other capacities.
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Businesses: Please check if your industry will be impacted by changes below.
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Residents: Everyone must continue to follow public health guidelines on our COVID-19 website to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Effective Saturday, December 26, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts temporarily reduced capacity and gathering limits across the state. Governor Baker issued a new order extending the restrictions through at least noon on Sunday, January 24, 2021.
Industries that were closed as a result of Boston's temporary return to a modified Phase 2, Step 2 will remain closed. Other sectors that are currently open in the City will follow the new state guidance. All businesses in the state must adhere to the following capacity limitations due to the surge in COVID-19 cases:
- Most industries will be subject to a 25-percent capacity limit
- Gathering limits have been lowered (Maximum 10 people inside, 25 outside)
Business Guidance
| Industry | AS OF December 13 (Phase 3 Step 1) | Effective December 16 | Effective December 26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquariums | 40% capacity | Closed | Closed (no change) |
| Close contact personal care | Physical distancing of 6 feet must be observed where possible. | No change |
25% capacity (Workers and staff are excluded from capacity count) |
| Construction | Allowed with approved safety plans | No change | No change |
| Fitness Centers and Health Clubs | 40% capacity |
Closed Personal fitness training by appointment only and one client per indoor space at a time. Outdoor fitness instruction is permitted for a maximum of 25 persons including staff. |
Closed (no change) Personal fitness training by appointment only and one client per indoor space at a time. Outdoor fitness instruction is permitted for a maximum of 25 persons including staff. |
| Hotel and lodging establishments |
40% capacity Ballrooms and event spaces may open following Events guidance |
No change to capacity Ballrooms and event spaces must close |
25% capacity in common areas |
| Houses of worship |
40% capacity |
No change |
25% capacity (Workers and staff are excluded from capacity count) |
| Indoor and outdoor gaming arcades associated with gaming devices | 40% capacity | Closed | Closed (no change) |
| Indoor dining |
Bar seating and live entertainment allowed |
No bar seating unless approved by the Boston Licensing Board. Background music and TVs may continue. |
25% of seating capacity (Workers and staff are excluded from capacity count) |
| Indoor event spaces (meeting rooms, ballrooms, private party rooms, social clubs) | 25 people | Closed | Closed (no change) |
| Indoor historic spaces/sites | 40% capacity | Closed | Closed (no change) |
| Indoor non-athletic instructional classes in “arts/education/life sciences” for persons 18 years and older | 25 people | 10 people | No change |
|
Indoor recreational and athletic facilities (except for youth 18 and under) Does not apply to collegiate or professional sports |
40% capacity |
Closed |
Closed (no change) |
| Indoor recreational venues with potential for low-contact (batting cases, driving ranges, bowling alleys, rock-climbing) | 40% capacity |
Closed |
Closed (no change) |
| Motion picture, TV, streaming production | 40% capacity | No change | No change |
| Movie theaters | 40% capacity, up to 50 people | Closed | Closed (no change) |
| Museums | 40% capacity | Closed | Closed (no change) |
| Office space | 40% capacity | No change | 25% capacity |
| Outdoor event spaces used for gatherings and celebrations, including those in parks, reservations, etc. | 50 people | 25 people | No change |
| Outdoor theaters and outdoor performance venues | 50 people or 25% capacity | 25 people | No change |
| Retail | 40% capacity | No change |
25% capacity (Workers and staff are excluded from capacity count) |
| Sight-seeing and other organized tours | 50% capacity in touring vehicles, or a maximum of 12 for a walking tour | Closed | Closed (no change) |
Business relief funds
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