The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and EEA today announced that the state has progressed to Phase IV, Step 1 of the reopening process (see attached). Key updates that impact the youth hockey community include:

• Removal of the spectator cap of 2 adults + siblings per participant: Indoor facilities are limited only to 50% capacity. (Facilities choosing to enforce additional capacity limits may do so at their own discretion).
• Locker rooms and showers are permitted to open at 50% capacity. Facility operators will have to designate socially distanced areas in locker rooms and can choose to keep locker rooms closed.
• The Travel Order has been changed to a Travel Advisory and restrictions on out-of-state teams playing at Massachusetts facilities are no longer included in EEA guidance. However, the Interstate Travel Ban for ice hockey that Massachusetts is a part of IS STILL in effect until March 31, 2021. As such, the state continues to take the position that ice hockey teams from outside of Massachusetts CAN NOT enter the state for the purpose of competition until the hockey-specific Interstate Travel Ban expires and is no longer in effect.

We expect that additional adjustments to the guidance will be forthcoming over the next few weeks. As those decisions are made, we will continue to share updates with the community.