Greater Boston Communities Eye New COVID Rules: Patch PM

BROOKLINE, MA — It's Tuesday, Dec. 15. Here's what Patch has been covering in greater Boston and across Massachusetts today.

Amid warnings that the coronavirus surge is about to break records, several Boston-area municipal leaders —from Newton to Arlington —have announced restrictions that go further than the restrictions Gov. Charlie Baker instituted this week. Brookline is the latest eyeing the possibility of rolling back reopening plans to Phase 2, Step 2.

Restrictions, which will mainly affect gyms, bars and indoor recreational facilities, begin Wednesday for Somerville and Boston. Newton plans to start Friday. All plan to have the restrictions in place for at least three weeks.

But a rollback in Brookline isn't a slam dunk. They've had much better success getting residents to mask up and follow coronavirus protocol, which has lead to lower numbers overall. Some town officials worry following in Boston and Newton's footsteps could hurt businesses too much.

Elsewhere in greater Boston:

Despite Coronavirus Surge, Most Boston Hospitals Have Space: The number of coronavirus patients at most hospitals in Boston is not above the threshold where experts say there is added pressure on hospital staff, according to updated data released last week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services..

Newton-Wellesley Hospital To Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Tuesday: The Newton-based health care system will administer vaccinations starting later this week as part of the Pfizer rollout.

Google Acquires Waltham Tech Firm: Google finalized its acquisition of a Waltham technology firm Monday, shortly after the firm announced it would be firing 54 employees

Also: In Tight Vote, MBTA Board Agrees to Cut Service Despite strong pushback, the MBTA is barreling ahead with significant service reductions early next year.

Across Massachusetts

Former Cape Pastor Faces Rape, Assault Charges
Rev. Mark Hession, who previously served as a pastor on the Cape, was charged with rape and assault and battery on a child under the age of 14.

More Snow For More Parts Of MA In Latest Nor'Easter Forecast
Northern parts of Massachusetts will be harder hit than expected and southern sections of the state will see at least a foot of snow.

And finally today:

Gov. Charlie Baker asked people to consider cancelling their holiday travel plans.

"I would really ask you and urge you to, first of all, reconsider those plans," Baker said. "If you must....people should wear masks, they should open windows, they should use good hygiene, they should distance if they can, and follow the rules that have been put in place and proven to be effective." Read the rest of the story.

Got a tip? Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.