BCAT News

The Baker-Polito Administration is easing off on the restrictions for some businesses. 

The Administration announced that effective Monday, February 8th at 5:00 a.m., businesses can operate at 40 percent capacity. This is an increase from an existing order limiting capacity to 25 percent for many businesses that expires Monday. Beginning when the order expires, restaurants and close contact personal services will also be allowed to operate at a 40 percent capacity limit.

Businesses and activities affected by the adjustment include:

• Arcades and Recreational Businesses
• Driving and Flight Schools
• Gyms/Health Clubs
• Libraries
• Museums
• Retail
• Offices
• Places of Worship
• Lodging (common areas)
• Golf (indoor areas)
• Movie Theaters (no more than 50 people per theater)

The limits on gatherings, however, have not changed. The Administration announced that current restrictions limiting gathering sizes to 10 persons indoors and 25 persons outdoors would remain in place for the present time. The gathering limits apply equally to private homes, event venues, and other public spaces.

The administration also announced approximately $173.9 million in awards to 4,043 additional small businesses in the sixth round of COVID relief grants administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). This program is focused on serving businesses that have been most impacted by the pandemic, including restaurants, bars, caterers, personal services and independent retailers.