Cape swings toward open for big weekend
Virus expected to damp down summer’s start
Pack face masks if you’re heading to the Cape this weekend and leave the volleyball at home.
New rules for beachgoers begin this Memorial Day weekend, with lodging shuttered until at least June and beach access restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, regional leaders announced Tuesday.
“It won’t be a traditional Memorial Day weekend,” state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, said.
More than 4 million visitors flock to the Cape each year, but coronavirus will chill the tourist hot spot significantly.
For starters, sunbathers may get some odd tan lines. Gov. Charlie Baker’s fourphase plan for reopening the state requires everyone over the age of 2 to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible, until at least June 8.
The Cape Cod Reopening Task Force announced that public parking at state beaches will reopen on Memorial Day, May 25. At that time, public facilities like restrooms will also reopen.
No groups bigger than 10 people can congregate in one area, and those groups must keep a distance of 12 feet apart from one another while relaxing in the sand, the task force announced. All beach games — from volleyball to bocce — are outlawed. That also means no spikeball, Kan Jam, or Kadima.
Baker’s guidelines keep local hotels, inns, and shortterm rentals from operating until at least June 8. Those businesses fall under phase two of reopening.
“Our best shot at keeping our communities safe and allowing our economy down here to reopen is going to be broad adherence to public health guidelines and personal responsibility,” Cyr said, and recommended hospitality professionals do everything they can to prepare to reopen.
Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Wendy Norcross said dozens of restaurants across are offering takeout, but otherwise, most tourist attractions remain closed until at least early June. Norcross said the economic blow may be “cushioned” by a long calendar season, with Memorial Day landing early and Labor Day weekend falling late.
“We’re very concerned. This is the lifeblood of our region,” Norcross said.
Some locals were unhappy with Baker’s extended shutdown. The Cape has the highest unemployment rate among all regions of the Commonwealth right now, according to Cyr.
“We talk about the chances of survival, this could definitely be what kills us. I just feel like common sense should prevail,” said Sandwich Chamber of Commerce Director Denise Dever.
Cyr implored all residents and visitors to follow the governor’s guidelines, so everyone can return to more normal summer activities.