Coronavirus MA: Schools Closed, Restaurants Takeout-Only

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker announced a series of unprecedented measures across Massachusetts to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, including closing all schools for three weeks, restricting public gatherings of more than 25 people, and ordering the state's restaurants close to patrons but remain open for takeout or delivery. The school and restaurant measures take effect Tuesday.

The state also issued new public health orders, including banning visitors to most hospitals and nursing homes and having hospitals postpone elective procedures.

"If everybody treats this as a three-week summer vacation early, that's not going to help us," Baker said, urging families to take social distancing seriously.

Baker announced the aggressive actions after asserting he is not planning a widespread shutdown of the state. But the actions announced Sunday evening impose some of the most severe restrictions in state history.

Baker said schools will be closed through April 7. His order applies to all public and private schools, but not to special education schools.

The measures came after coronavirus cases on Sunday hit 164 across Massachusetts, up from 138 Saturday. More cases are expected with expanded testing.

Grocery stores and pharmacies are among the few exceptions for the new restrictions on public gatherings. Baker previously prohibited gatherings of more than 250 people.

"If we take decisive steps now and everyone plays their part by following the best medical guidance, we can slow down the spread," Baker said.