Governor Charlie Baker announced Friday that Massachusets restaurants will be able to resume indoor dining Monday as part of the next step of reopening the economy.
Offices will also be allowed to bring more employees back Monday, though only up to 50% capacity, and Baker encouraged employers to allow people to continue to work from home as much as possible.
Restaurants will still have to operate under restrictions such as mandatory face coverings and tables spaced six feet apart.
Baker said the rates of infections, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 continue to show positive downward trends, and that those trends means the state will proceed with the second part of its “Phase 2” re-opening plan on Monday.
Despite the hopeful signs, Baker as usual urged residents not to let their guard down and to remember that coronavirus is still a threat.
“COVID does not take the summer off,” Baker said.
Baker said the state will need at least two more weeks of data before he will begin the third phase of reopening.
During his press conference Friday, Baker acknowledged the Juneteenth holiday commemorating the end of slavery. The day provides a “chance for us to recognize the painful history of slavery and racial injustice in this country,” Baker said, “and to recommit ourselves to building a more equal and more just society.” He noted that his administration is working with the legislature on the governor’s proposals to bring more accountability to Massachusetts police departments.
Asked about calls from various corners, including Boston City Council members, to make Juneteenth an official statewide holiday, Baker said he looks forward to “working with our colleagues in the legislature on ways we can further recognize this holiday in the future.”
