Governor Baker returned yesterday to announced new COVID-19 restrictions in Massachusetts for at least two weeks starting this Saturday (12/26). The following are new restrictions put forth by the state:

• Capacity Limits in “most” businesses such as retail and restaurants, personal services, casinos and office spaces, gyms, and many others are reduced to 25%
• Outdoor gatherings will be required to be at no more than 25 people
• Indoor gatherings are capped at 10 individuals
• Lt. Governor Polito made clear that workers and staff will not count toward the 25% occupancy limit.

Governor Baker noted that fighting off this surge is extremely important after the surge seen after Thanksgiving as well as the light at the end of the tunnel the state sees in the months ahead due to COVID-19 vaccine deployment. Here are other additional notes from the presser:

• The first Moderna Vaccine shipments were delivered to the state Monday and Tuesday.
• While the recent federal COVID-19 stimulus will help, Governor Baker is also looking forward to putting together a small business relief fund that they will deliver in more detail on 12/23.
• Secretary Sudders announced that effective 12:01am on December 26th, all hospitals are required to postpone or cancel all non-essential inpatient elective or invasive procedures.
• Hospitals are also asked to not schedule any new inpatient non-essential procedures until further notice by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
• Secretary Sudders also announced that Massachusetts is still seeking nurses and other healthcare professionals to work at field hospitals.
• Just as Governor Baker did yesterday, Secretary Kenneally boasted the Economic Development bill currently being debated this session.
• The state will publish its first vaccine dashboard on 12/24.