Governor Charlie Baker announced a "gradual easing" of COVID-19 restrictions put in place for the state of Massachusetts prior to the holiday season and an eventual spike in cases.
The state's early closure order for businesses and a stay at home advisory will be lifted as of 5:00 a.m. on Monday (January 25), Gov. Baker confirmed during a press conference on Thursday (January 21) afternoon via CBS Boston.
Massachusetts businesses are currently required to close at 9:30 p.m. under the order set in November. Gov. Baker said Phase 3, Step 2 businesses will remain fully closed under the new, revised restrictions.
“We’re seeing signs of steady declines in the percentage of positive cases,” Baker said via CBS Boston.
Gov. Baker implemented new restrictions prior to an accurately expected spike in COVID-19 cases as many residents traveled and hosted gatherings during the holiday season.
“We freed up hundreds of hospital beds, we reduced mobility, and created more space for people to move around safely,” said Baker. “Public health data is trending in a better direction for some categories, like hospitalizations and the percentage of positive COVID cases, for the first time in a long time.”
Gov. Baker also announced an additional $37.5 million will be distributed to 638 local businesses through the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program during Thursday's press conference.
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