Governor Ready To Cautiously Reopen State

The Baker Administration has released its blueprint to reopen the state with some portions of The Commonwealth, namedly Religious, Manufacturing and some construction able to restart today.

The Governor called it a cautious approach that was based on the metrics. Each of the four phases will last approximately three weeks. But the governor also noted that if the numbers spike in any of the phases, the clock could stop on reopening the next sector of the economy.

The Administration also released a new “Safer At Home” Advisory, which instructs residents to stay at home unless engaging with newly opened activities, as a way to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Starting today, based on current public health data and trends, Massachusetts will begin Phase 1 of a cautious reopening, and workplaces that are permitted to open are required to follow new safety protocols and guidance.

The protocols will include social distancing, sanitizing and other procedures that are specific to a particular industry.

Beginning on May 25th, the Governor will allow limited office space to be reopened as well as retail. Offices will be limited to 25 percent of capacity. Retail that is allowed to reopen will be allowed to do curbside pickup only.

Also on May 25th, beaches and parks will be allowed to reopen as well as select athletic facilities.

According to LT Governor Karyn Polito who chaired the Task Force Committee on reopening,

in order to reopen, businesses must develop a written COVID-19 Control Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19. Required materials are located on mass.gov/reopening, and include detailed sector-specific circulars and checklists to facilitate compliance. They will also self-certify.

In addition businesses will be required to have in place supplies for the use of employees as well as supplies for cleaning work areas.

Massachusetts was among the top five hardest hit states for COVID 19. Massachusetts and Connecticut are the last of the New England States to reopen.

Connecticut will reopen Wednesday.

[Photo Credit: Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office]


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content