Governor Baker Defends Call To Ease Business Restrictions

Gov. Charlie Baker is coming under criticism from some health experts who are warning that his decision to ease coronavirus restrictions is too soon and may lead to more misery down the road.

According to a story reported on by WHDH/7 News Boston, on Monday, the state began lifting some restrictions that have been in place for months — including eliminating restaurant capacity limits as long as parties are spaced 6 feet apart.

Dr. Robert Horsburgh, a professor of epidemiology at Boston University, said the state is reopening too fast.

However, Baker said recent public health data — including falling numbers of new infections and hospitalizations — support the easing of restrictions.

Governor Baker had this to say:

It’s obviously great to see the data moving in the right direction so that we can make it possible for people to reopen on a phased basis.

The decisions to restrict businesses at various points during the past year “have been extremely difficult and have come with significant negative consequences of their own,” he added.

On Monday indoor performance venues such as concert halls and theaters can reopen at 50% capacity with no more than 500 persons while indoor recreational activities like laser tag, roller skating, and trampolines can also reopen at 50% capacity.

Capacity limits across other businesses have also been raised to 50%.

However, Baker also said the reopening efforts “doesn’t mean that people can or should let down their guard.”

Please check out the initial report for more on the story at WHDH/7 News' website here.