SOME CAN START NOW, OTHERS HAVE TO WAIT
Baker says it’s best to follow phases
The staggered start to opening up the Massachusetts economy kicked off with manufacturing, construction and houses of worship all winning the goahead, but others still left on the sidelines.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced at the State House Monday all three sectors must abide by new guidelines, with 40% maximum capacity for houses of worship and outdoor services encouraged.
The Phase 1 reopening will continue on May 25 with restrictions eased on office spaces (except in the city of Boston), labs, hair salons, barbershops, car washes, pet grooming and curbside pick-up for retail stores.
“Today, as we start the phased return to our new normal, we are going to ask people once again to rise to the occasion as we continue to fight this virus,” Baker said.
“If we don’t keep up the fight and don’t do the things that we all know we have to do and know we can do, we run the risk of creating a second spike,” he said.
Office spaces will have a 25% maximum capacity during Phase 1, and work from home will be strongly encouraged.
Hair salons and barbershops will be appointmentonly, and customers will have to wait outside or in their cars until it’s time for their appointment. Pet grooming will be appointment-only, with curbside pet drop-off and pick-up. Recreational marijuana shops will be curbside only.
“The whole point behind
curbside is it doesn’t require people to go inside and stand around,” Baker said.
Also on May 25, recreation facilities can open up with guidelines, including beaches, parks, drive-in theaters, some athletic fields and courts, most fishing, hunting and boating, and outdoor gardens, zoos and reserves.
On June 1, offices in Boston will be open with 25% maximum capacity.
Phase 1 will last for a minimum of three weeks, and could last longer before moving on to Phase 2. It all depends on public health data trends, state officials said.
“Each phase will last at least three weeks, but may last longer if the public health data doesn’t support moving forward,” the governor said.
Phase 2 will include reopening restaurants, retail and lodging. Additional personal services, including nail salons and day spas, will be part of Phase 2.
Less urgent medical procedures, including elective surgeries and routine dental cleanings, will be in Phase 2.
Phase 2 will also include opening campgrounds, playgrounds and spray decks, public and community pools, all athletic fields and courts with guidelines, and youth sports in limited fashion.
Phase 3 will include reopening bars, casinos, gyms and museums. All other business activities will resume in Phase 3, except for nightclubs and large venues.
Phase 3 will include youth sports with games and tournaments, with limited crowd sizes.
Phase 4 will be the “new normal” with the full resumption of activity, including large venues and nightclubs.
As Massachusetts enters
Phase 1, the Bay State is also moving into a “safer at home advisory.” People should only leave home for health care, permitted work, shopping and outdoor activities, the advisory reads.
People should still not participate in close contact activities, and gatherings should not be larger than 10 people. Parents should limit play dates for children.
“It’s not a dramatic departure from where we were,” Baker said, “But it does reflect the fact that we are pursuing, at this point, a phased reopening strategy.”