New Capacity & Gatherings Limits to Take Effect Saturday On Tuesday, the Baker-Polito Administration announced further restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, including new capacity and gathering limits. These measures will go into effect on Saturday, December 26 and will remain in effect until noon on January 10, 2021. Read a summary of the restrictions here. Read the emergency order here. Read the press release here.
Capacity Limits Most business sectors will be subject to a 25% capacity limit, including:
o Restaurants (based on permitted seating capacity)
o Close Contact Personal Services
o Theatres and Performance Venues
o Casinos
o Office Spaces
o Places of Worship
o Retail Businesses
o Driving and Flight Schools
o Golf Facilities (for indoor spaces)
o Libraries
o Lodging (for common areas)
o Arcades and Indoor Recreation Businesses
o Fitness Centers and Health Clubs
o Museums, Cultural Facilities and Guided Tours
Workers and staff will not count towards the occupancy limit for restaurants, places of worship, close contact personal services, and retail businesses. All other rules and restrictions in each sector-specific guidance will remain in effect.
Gatherings Limits Also effective Saturday, December 26, the state’s gatherings limits will be updated. Indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people. Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 25 people outside. The gatherings limits apply to private homes, event venues and public spaces.
SBA Extends Deadline to Apply for EIDL The SBA announced that the deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan was extended from December 21 to December 31. Read more here.
Governor Signs FY 21 State Budget; Proposes More Business Support Governor Baker recently signed a FY2021 budget totaling $45.9B into law and filed a supplemental budget bill that would further fund Administration priorities, including additional catalysts for economic development and support for small businesses. Read more about the FY2021 budget and supplemental budget bill in the Administration’s press release.
Governor Files Bill to Maintain Unemployment Trust Fund and Provide Relief to Employers The Governor recently filed a bill to sustain unemployment benefits and provide an estimated $1.3 billion in unemployment insurance relief to the Commonwealth’s employers over two years. In addition to a two-year unemployment insurance tax schedule freeze, the legislation also proposes financing measures designed to ensure the solvency of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and that federal borrowing that has occurred is repaid in a responsible and affordable manner. Read more about this legislation in this press release.
