BAKER BEING URGED TO DIVE IN, OPEN BEACHES

Mass. Fiscal Alliance wants gov to follow New Jersey’s lead before Memorial Day

As other states move toward fully reopening beaches by Memorial Day, Gov. Charlie Baker is feeling the heat to follow suit in time for the unofficial start of summer.

“Massachusetts residents, business owners and their workers need the economic and mental relief open beaches provide,” said Paul Craney, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that promotes social welfare.

Craney pointed to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order allowing for his state’s beaches — which are similar to Massachusetts’ in demographics, commerce and tourism — to be opened by May 22.

Murphy’s order will allow beach use, provided people stay 6 feet apart. The order does not limit parking and allows local municipalities the authority to make decisions regarding crowd control. Masks will not be required on beaches but can be used when social distancing can’t be followed. Public restrooms will be open, and businesses that serve food will be able to offer takeout to beachgoers.

“Outside of New York, New Jersey has suffered the most of any state in dealing with COVID-19,” Craney said. But “New Jersey beaches and their coastal businesses are enjoyed by many summer residents and many tourists from hard-hit urban areas like New York and Philadelphia.”

In Massachusetts, state coastal beach parking areas have been temporarily closed since April 3. But state-managed beaches have remained open for passive recreational activities that involve only transitory movement, such as walking or jogging, and for solitary beach fishing. Sitting, sunbathing and other stationary recreational activities have been prohibited on state beaches. And athletic and recreational activities that bring people into close, physical contact also have been prohibited.

“Working groups within the administration, in concert with the Reopening Advisory Board, are planning for next steps on testing and tracing, transportation,

child care and outdoor recreation, among others,” said a spokesman for the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. “The board will make specific recommendations to the governor in accordance with public health guidelines.”

The Reopening Advisory Board is scheduled to provide its full report to Baker on Monday.

PAUL COnnORS phOTOS / BOSTOn hERALD NEARING SUMMER: People, above and at top right, walk along the sidewalk adjacent to Revere Beach on Saturday, while others, at right, stroll along the actual beach.

NiCOLAUS CzARnECki / hERALD STAff AT OWN RISK: A sign along Kings Beach advises visitors about suggested safety precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Swampscott on Saturday.