MA Coronavirus: Business Closures Extended, Some Rentals Banned

MASSACHUSETTS — Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday extended the closure of nonessential businesses as state officials try to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. The business closures were announced last week and expected to run through April 7. The closures will now be in place until at least May 4.

Essential businesses such as grocery stores and pharmacies — and those that support their operation — will remain open, as will medical facilities and gas stations. Restaurants can still offer takeout and delivery services, provided they observe proper social distancing. Liquor stores and medical marijuana dispensaries will also be considered essential.

State officials classified a wide array of businesses and professions as essential. Baker added some services, such as optometrists and chiropractors. He also prohibited booking hotels and short-term rentals like Airbnbs for vacation or leisure purposes.

"People should really be using common sense and not be going on vacation right now," Baker said. "People should stay at home."

The stay-at-home advisory and order limiting social gatherings to 10 people have also been extended to May 4.

"We appreciate the huge impact on our economy and in our daily lives," Baker said. "We need everyone to continue to go without being around family and many of your friends for the health and safety of your family and your friends."

State officials have requested three field medical stations through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. They received approval this week to deploy a 250-bed facility at the DCU Center in Worcester, which will be run by UMass Worcester.

The state is also deploying a range of resources, including the National Guard and medical professionals from other facilities, to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home. There have been 13 deaths at the home, six of which have been attributed to the coronavirus. Baker said state officials found out about the situation Sunday.

"The episode is a gut wrenching loss that is nothing short of devastating to all of us," Baker said.

The state launched a pilot program Tuesday to test residents of nursing homes. Seven National Guard teams have been deployed to collect samples. Prior to this, residents of nursing homes had to be tested at hospitals, state officials said.

On Monday, Baker said a surge in coronavirus patients in Massachusetts is expected in mid-April. Calculations suggest the surge could be between April 7-17, he said.

It was the first time a state official offered a timeline on when COVID-19 cases could hit such an acceleration. Baker did not estimate how many patients there could be, calling that a "cold, impersonal number."

The Massachusetts case count grew to 6,620 on Tuesday, including 89 deaths. Thirty-three people died over the last 24 hours, the biggest one-day jump the state has seen since the beginning of the outbreak.

Massachusetts has been under a state of emergency since March 10. A statewide stay-at-home advisory was issued March 23.

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