WORCESTER – City Manager Ed Augustus signed an executive order on Thursday, September 24, that keeps in place the current standard of no more than six people at a restaurant table and prohibits bar seating in restaurants.
On Wednesday, September 23, Governor Charlie Baker announced that the state standard was increasing to 10 people per table at restaurants and bar seating for food service would be permitted effective Monday, September 28.
State guidelines allow communities to impose stricter guidelines that the statewide rules.
The order shall remain in effect until the City moves from a ‘red’ to ‘yellow’ state designation.
Augustus’ full statement is here:
“I am mindful of the tremendous impact the COVID-19 virus has had on the City of Worcester, particularly the restrictions placed on our restaurants.”
“Our number one priority has always been on public health and that is what is at the heart of my decision today. Worcester is currently designated by the Commonwealth as a ‘high risk’ community in the ‘red zone’. It is with that in mind that I’ve made this difficult decision.”
“This does not mean it cannot change. We will continue to monitor our COVID-19 numbers. This is an opportunity for all residents to pull together, push our numbers down and move Worcester from the ‘red zone’ into the ‘yellow zone’. I also encourage residents to take advantage of indoor and outdoor dining as well as take-out from our many wonderful local restaurants.”
Update September 25 to reflect when the order will remain in effect until.
