New Massachusetts COVID-19 Policies in Effect

DEPARTMENT(S): 
Dean of Students
November 6, 2020

November 6, 2020

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued additional COVID-19 policies for the state that went into effect last night at midnight. The new policies have an impact on our community, so we ask that you review the following information, which includes links to the new policies and outlines any changes regarding WPI’s current guidelines.

 

TL;DR: New state COVID-19 policies

  • advise residents to remain at home from 10 pm to 5 am
  • require face coverings in all public places
  • close many facilities and restaurants at 9:30, with later options for takeout
  • change limits on private gatherings

 

  • Beginning on November 6, Massachusetts residents are advised to stay at home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. 
    • This applies to all WPI community members.
    • This does not apply to people coming to and from work or school, so students can go to class, labs, and the library and employees can go to work.
    • People may also be out for essential needs including groceries or emergency medical care. 
  • All indoor recreational facilities and seating at restaurants must close at 9:30 p.m. 
    • On WPI’s campus, beginning on Friday, November 6, the following will close at these designated times:
      • Dining Services will provide regular dining options prior to 9:30 pm and grab-and-go food will be available at
        • Goat’s Head from 9:30 pm to 10 pm
        • Campus Center from 9:30 pm to 11 pm
      • The Sports & Recreation Center (including pool) will close at 9 pm.
      • For events or practices scheduled after 9:30 pm, please contact the Events Office, the Student Activities Office, or the Club Sports Administrator (as applicable).
  • Maximum limits on private gatherings will change on November 6.
    • ​Private, indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people.
      • ​Classes, labs, offices and WPI events are not included in this limit.
    • Although the state is limiting outside gatherings to 25 people, WPI’s 10-person limit on outside gatherings, not including classes, labs, offices, and WPI events, remains in place.
    • All gatherings must end at 9:30 pm. 
  • Anyone over the age of 5 must wear a face covering when out in public, regardless of social distancing.
    • WPI’s guidance already requires a face covering on campus. The new state order requires a face covering at all times when you are out in public, including on- and off-campus locations.