Life in Massachusetts may show some semblance of normality starting Monday, when retail stores, hotels, libraries, funeral homes, day camps and outdoor seating at restaurants resume operation with strict public health protections in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced Saturday the state will go ahead with Phase 2 of his administration's four-phase plan to relaunch the state's economy after the coronavirus shutdown.
"The goal here is, as we move this thing forward, to be able to sustain it. So that we don't have to go back a step at some point in August or September," Baker said at his daily briefing from the State house.
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Baker said public health trends like new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are all pointing in the right direction enough to reopen many of the businesses shuttered to prevent the spread of infections.
"A phased reopening based on guidance from the folks in the health care and public health community is the process through which we are most likely to be able to sustain our reopening," Baker said.
Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy said that Phase 2 will have two steps. Monday's first step "will allow for the reopening of places like retail stores, childcare, day camps, lodging, youth sports and outdoor seated dining at restaurants," Kennealy said. Activities that require more personal contact like hair treatments, nail care, massage therapy, body art services and personal training will have to wait an undetermined amount of time to begin, he added.
"Step two in phase two, the start of which will be determined based on continued improvements in public health metrics, will allow restaurants to serve guests indoors," Kennealy said.
Baker's 17-member reopening advisory board has already rolled out guidance for what safety precautions businesses must put in place before they reopen, like limiting indoor capacity, drawing up sanitation schemes and submitting plans to state health regulators.
Restaurants, many of which have been operating only take-out services since the pandemic hit Massachusetts in March, can begin to seat and serve patrons outdoors starting Monday, with indoor seating set to be allowed sometime later. Tables will be required to be at least six feet apart at restaurants and face coverings will be required when not sitting at a table.
"As more places open, it's critical that everyone continues to do their part to fight COVID-19, so we can have a successful Phase 2 and move forward into Phase 3 and to the new normal," said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, who co-chaired the reopening advisory board.
Baker has said each phase will last at least three weeks, meaning theaters, museums, gyms and large gatherings could reopen by the end of June.
Businesses need to submit plans about sanitization and employee safety to state health regulators before they can reopen, and most newly opened spaces will require face coverings and have strict capacity limits.
