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Given the improvement in the number of COVID-19 cases and the City's positivity rate over the past few weeks, Mayor Walsh announced that Boston will align with the state's opening guidance by lifting the 25% capacity restriction on local businesses, including restaurants and gyms.
Effective Monday, February 8, at 5 a.m., businesses can operate at 40% capacity, an increase from the current 25% capacity limits. Check below on this page to see how each industry is impacted.
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All gatherings and events remain subject to current capacity limits of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
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We're asking residents to continue to follow public health guidelines on our COVID-19 website to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Before the holidays, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts implemented temporary capacity limits for a wide range of businesses. With public health data improving, the state announced that it is now adjusting capacity limits from 25% to 40%, effective Monday, February 8, at 5 a.m.
Please note:- Gathering limits still remain in place in the state, with a maximum 10 people allowed at an indoor gathering, and 25 outside.
- Sector-specific workplace safety rules remain unchanged.
Business Guidance
Industry | Effective FEbruary 1 | Effective February 8 |
---|---|---|
Aquariums | Open at 25% capacity | No change |
Close contact personal care |
Open at 25% capacity (Workers and staff are excluded from capacity count) |
Open at 40% capacity (Employees do not count toward the 40% limit) |
Construction | Allowed with approved safety plans | No change |
Driving and flight schools | Open at 25% capacity | Open at 40% capacity |
Fitness Centers and Health Clubs | Open at 25% capacity | Open at 40% capacity |
Golf (indoor areas) | Open at 25% capacity | Open at 40% capacity |
Hotel and lodging establishments | Open at 25% capacity in common areas | Open at 40% capacity in common areas |
Houses of worship |
Open at 25% capacity (Workers and staff are excluded from capacity count) |
Open at 40% capacity |
Indoor and outdoor gaming arcades associated with gaming devices | Open at 25% capacity | Open at 40% capacity |
Indoor dining at restaurants |
25% of seating capacity (Workers and staff are excluded from capacity count) |
Open at 40% capacity (Employees do not count toward the 40% limit) |
Indoor event spaces (meeting rooms, ballrooms, private party rooms, social clubs) | Open at 25% capacity (indoor events still limited to 10 people) | No change |
Indoor historic spaces/sites | Open at 25% capacity | No change |
Indoor non-athletic instructional classes in “arts/education/life sciences” for persons 18 years and older | 25 people | No change |
Indoor recreational and athletic facilities (except for youth 18 and under) Does not apply to collegiate or professional sports |
Open at 25% capacity | Open at 40% capacity |
Indoor recreational venues with potential for low-contact (batting cases, driving ranges, bowling alleys, rock-climbing) | Open at 25% capacity | Open at 40% capacity |
Libraries | Boston Public Library locations are not open for browsing, but services will remain available through the BPL To Go program. | Boston Public Library locations are not open for browsing, but services will remain available through the BPL To Go program. |
Motion picture, TV, streaming production | 40% capacity | No change |
Movie theaters | Open at 25% capacity | Open at 40% capacity, up to 50 people |
Museums | Open at 25% capacity | Open at 40% capacity |
Office space | Open at 25% capacity | Open at 40% capacity |
Outdoor event spaces used for gatherings and celebrations, including those in parks, reservations, etc. | 25 people | No change |
Outdoor theaters and outdoor performance venues | 50 people or 25% capacity | No change |
Retail |
25% capacity (Workers and staff are excluded from capacity count) |
Open at 40% capacity |
Sight-seeing and other organized tours | Open at 25% capacity | Open at 50% capacity |
- If you are a small business owner, please contact smallbiz@boston.gov.
- If you are a restaurant owner with questions specific to licensing or the application process for bar seating, please contact licensingboard@boston.gov.
- If you are in any other sector impacted by these restrictions — or you have general questions about the City of Boston’s approach to reopening — please reach out to reopening@boston.gov.
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