Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) on Monday announced a plan for a reopening of his state that includes four phases that are each projected to last at least three weeks.
Beginning Monday, Baker said, manufacturing and construction businesses will be allowed to resume, as well as hospitals and community health centers that can certify their safety measures, as well as houses of worship.
Today, we're releasing "Reopening Massachusetts," the report of our Reopening Advisory Board.
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) May 18, 2020
The report details a four-phased strategy to responsibly reopen businesses and activities while continuing to fight #COVID19MA
⏩More about reopening: https://t.co/L5FAI0K3Js pic.twitter.com/wiih2fRw3E
Laboratory and life sciences facilities will be allowed to reopen next Monday, while hair salons, barbershops and pet grooming businesses will be allowed to reopen with appointment-only services.
Recreation and outdoor spaces will be allowed to reopen with distancing guidelines on the same day. Offices outside Boston will be allowed to reopen next Monday but will be strongly encouraged to continue work from home wherever possible.
The state will also reopen beaches, parks, drive-in theaters, some athletic fields and most hunting, fishing and boating the same Monday, according to Baker’s office.
Boston offices, meanwhile, will be allowed to reopen the following Monday, June 1, Baker announced.
Phase two will reopen retail, restaurants and lodging with some restrictions and capacity limitations, while phase three will do the same for bars, casinos, gyms, museums and all other business activities except for nightclubs and larger venues, which will open in phase four.
The state Department of Health also announced a modified “safer at home” advisory that strongly recommends people over 65 and those with underlying health conditions remain at home.
Other residents are advised to only leave for health care services, religious services, outdoor activities and shopping, and should ask for 90-day supplies when visiting pharmacies. They will be required to cover their faces in scenarios where they cannot maintain six feet of distance from one another in public and should avoid visiting nursing homes or residential care facilities.
