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Temporary capacity and gathering limits

As of December 26, 2020, all businesses must adhere to the following capacity limitations due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Table of Contents

Current Limits

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2020, Massachusetts will implement temporary capacity limits to stop the spread of COVID-19 as cases and hospitalizations rise. Businesses must adhere to the following capacity limitations. The revised limits below supersede existing limits in the Phase 3, Step 1 Sector-Specific Protocols. Except for the specified adjustments to capacity limitations, all other terms of COVID-19 gatherings order (including exceptions) and all sector-specific workplace safety rules remain unchanged. These limits are in effect until January 24, 2021 unless further extended by the Governor. These revised capacity limits do not apply to manufacturers, laboratories, drive-in movie theaters, or construction.

Sector

Revised Capacity Limits

Notes

Gatherings (adjusting Order No. 57)

10 persons indoors

25 persons outdoors

applies to both private homes and event venues and public spaces

Restaurants

25% of seating capacity

(a) workers/staff excluded from occupancy count;

(b) applies separately to indoor and outdoor capacity

Close Contact Personal Services 

25%

workers/staff excluded from occupancy count

Indoor and Outdoor Events

10 persons indoors

25 persons outdoors

workers/staff excluded from occupancy count

Theaters and Performance Venues

(Indoor performance venues remain closed)

Movie theaters – 25% and maximum 50 people

Outdoor performance venues – 25% and maximum 25 people

 

Casinos

25%

MGC to re-issue capacity rules as necessary

Office Spaces

25%

 

Places of Worship

25%

workers/staff excluded from occupancy count

Retail Businesses

25%

workers/staff excluded from occupancy count

Driving and Flight Schools

25%

 

Golf Facilities

25%

applies only to indoor spaces

Libraries

25%

 

Operators of Lodgings

25%

applies only to common areas

Arcades & Other Indoor & Outdoor Recreation Businesses

25%

 

Fitness Centers and Health Clubs

25%

 

Museums / Cultural & Historical Facilities / Guided Tours by vehicles and vessels

25%

 

Sectors Not Otherwise Addressed

25%

 

Common Areas in facilities subject to EEA-issued COVID-19 safety rules

25%

applies only to indoor spaces and excludes youth and amateur sports facilities

General Provision: Where no licensed or permitted capacity allowance is on record and for any enclosed space within a larger facility, occupancy shall be limited to no more than 5 persons per 1,000 square feet.

Last updated: January 7, 2021
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