5 Things You Need To Know Today in Framingham: Monday, March 22, 2022

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1. Effective today, March 22, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan.

This will open a range of previously closed business sectors under tight capacity restrictions that are expected to be adjusted over time if favorable trends in the public health data continue. Effective on the planned advancement to Step 1 of Phase IV, the following large capacity sports and entertainment venues will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health (DPH):

• Indoor and outdoor stadiums
• Arenas
• Ballparks

Also effective on March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors.

Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

2 Effective Monday, March 22, the Massachusetts Travel Order will be replaced with a Travel Advisory. 

The new travel advisory will urge all persons entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more. The August 2020 order required residents to quarantine.

The advisory does not apply to anyone in the following categories:

• Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after an absence of fewer than 24 hours. 
• Travelers who have a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts. 

3. CITY of FRAMINGHAM meetings:

• Framingham City Council: Environment & Sustainability Subcommittee at 7 p.m.
• Framingham License Commission at 7 p.m.
• Framingham Strategic Initiative & Financial Oversight Committee at 7 p.m.

4. According to the Mayor’s public schedule, Mayor Yvonne Spicer has no public events.

5. More individuals are eligible for the vaccine in Massachusetts starting today. Those include age 60 and older and some specific workers.