Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker this week announced all communities will be required to roll back to Step 1 of Phase 3 of the commonwealth's reopening plan, effective Sun., Dec. 13. The decision was made in response to an increase in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations since the Thanksgiving holiday that is straining the health-care system. The new measures are designed to prevent infection and viral spread, especially in indoor settings, to create stronger mask compliance, more social distancing and limits to the time spent with people outside the household. The plan includes the following restrictions: outdoor gatherings at event venues will be limited to no more than 50 people; indoor theaters and performance venues and higher contact indoor recreation businesses will be required to close to the public; capacity will be reduced from 50 percent to 40 percent for gyms, libraries, museums retail, places of worship and movie theaters. Specific guidelines are also in place for restaurants and other venues with seated dining, limiting the number of patrons at a table, prohibiting musical performances and closing food court seating. Read more at mass [dot] gov [slash] news.