MA Coronavirus: Cases Increase As Large Gatherings Prohibited

Gov. Charlie Baker prohibited many large gatherings Friday as the number of positive tests of the new coronavirus continued to increase across the state.

The Department of Public Health said there are 123 cases as of Friday afternoon, 15 more than Thursday's numbers. Ninety-four of the cases are related to the Biogen conference in February.

The updated numbers came hours after Baker said Massachusetts is prohibiting most gatherings of more than 250 people in the latest drastic measure to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The restriction applies to community and civic events, religious gatherings, concerts and more. It led to the Archdiocese of Boston suspending daily and Sunday Masses, beginning Saturday at 4 p.m.

"We live in times when many people are confused, hurt, and fearful, for many different reasons," Cardinal Sean O'Malley said.

>>>Read: Health Field In Massachusetts Grapples With Unknowns

The restriction does not apply to major transit operations, such as Logan Airport and the MBTA, libraries, grocery stores, shopping malls, polling centers, restaurants and more.

"The time period we are in now marks a pivotal moment in what we do, and how we behave in our daily life to prevent the spread of COVID-19," Baker said.

Baker also said the state health officials are not recommending shutting down the entire school system. Dozens of school districts have closed for anywhere from two weeks to a month. You can see the full list here.

Boston Marathon rescheduled

The Boston Marathon has been rescheduled for the first time in its 124-year history. The race, which was set April 20, will be run on Sept. 14 — if all goes according to plan. "We want to make sure we keep people safe," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said.

Baker adjusts Open Meeting Law

Baker signed an order suspending parts of the Open Meeting Law to let local municipalities make quicker decisions during the state of emergency.

Rhode Island closes all school

Gov. Gina Raimondo announced all schools in Rhode Island are canceled next week, becoming the latest state to shut down school for at least a week.

Logan to screen

Logan Airport is one of 13 airports that will begin screen passengers who arrive from Europe. President Trump's European travel ban takes effect at midnight, but it does not ban all travel from Europe.

Prisons halt visits

Family and friends won't be able to visit inmates at state prisons for the foreseeable future. Attorneys will still be able to visit clients who are inmates.

Jury trials postponed

The state's highest court has suspended criminal and civil jury trials through April 21, at the earliest. People with symptoms or exposure to the coronavirus is not allowed in state courthouses.

Kennedy campaign takes break

Congressman Joe Kennedy put a pause on his U.S. Senate run, saying there would not be any campaign business for at least a week. That includes Kennedy's debate with Sen. Ed Markey, which had been scheduled for Wednesday.

Big Brewery makes changes

People are still drinking, but the state's most popular brewery has announced major changes.