January 21, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
Gov. Charlie Baker announced today that effective next Monday, Jan. 25, he will lift the statewide nighttime stay-at-home advisory as well as restrictions requiring restaurants, theaters, gyms, indoor and outdoor events, salons, fitness centers, pools, sports activities, and certain other businesses and venues to either close or stop serving customers by 9:30 p.m., citing the stabilization of the second COVID-19 surge as the reason behind his decision.
Because of the progress that has been made, "It's time to start a gradual easing of some of the restrictions we put in place in the fall," Baker said during a press conference today.
However, the 25 percent capacity maximum for restaurants, offices, and some other businesses will remain in effect until at least Feb. 8, and the state will remain in the first step of Phase 3 of its reopening plan, which keeps certain restrictions in place (see mass.gov for further details).
Indoor and outdoor gatherings and events will continue to be limited to 10 and 25 people respectively.
Today's announcement also means that the overnight stay-at-home advisory from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. other than commuting to or from work, taking a walk, or doing essential errands such as grocery shopping and addressing health needs that was issued in November will no longer be in effect starting next Monday.