MA Reopening: Roadmap Detailed, Businesses Given Dates

MASSACHUSETTS — The reopening of the Massachusetts economy is now underway and a tentative timeline places resuming full operations — "the new normal" — well into the summer.

Gov. Charlie Baker provided long-awaited details on the four-phased reopening, which went into effect Monday as the manufacturing and construction industries, as well as houses of worship, got the green light to reopen as the state begins the long road back to reopening an economy that was abruptly shuttered by the coronavirus crisis.

The restaurant, hospitality and retail sectors, as well as places like nail salons and public pools, will not open until the second phase of reopening, which is at least three weeks away.

Phase three, which is at least six weeks away, will see bars, gyms museums and casinos return in limited capacity. All others business activities would resume with the exception of nightclubs and large gatherings.

Full reopening to what officials are dubbing "the new normal" is at least nine weeks away. That would see a full resumption of all activities.

See what will return in each phases

Each of the four phases of reopening will last at least three weeks, and some industries, regions or even the entire state could regress to previous phases if the health data takes a turn for the worse. If each phase takes the minimum three weeks, Massachusetts could be at "the new normal" around July 20.

Each sector will have to follow new mandatory workplace safety standards in addition to industry-specific safety guidelines.

See the new rules: houses of worship; manufacturing and construction; personal services.

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Child care will expand in phase one for people who have no alternatives, and summer camps may open in later phases.

The first phase, "Start," is beginning Monday. It includes manufacturing, construction and houses of worship, which are back in business effective immediately. Phase one is also allowing hospitals and community health centers to "provide high priority preventative health care, pediatric care and treatment for high risk patients."

Several other industries can expand or reopen on May 25, including labs and life sciences facilities, hair salons and barbershops (by appointment only), pet grooming (by appointment only and with curbside pet pick-up and drop-off), exterior car washes, recreation and some outdoor activities (with guidelines), some other health care providers, and retail companies that can fulfill orders remotely or by curbside pickup.

Offices outside of Boston will also be allowed to reopen, but only at less than 25 percent capacity. Boston offices will follow suit June 1. All workplaces are still "strongly encouraged" to let employees work from home if possible.

Child care will "meet the needs of people who have no other alternative," Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said.

The reopenings are the first significant progress in what has been nearly two-month closure of nonessential businesses. The most notable adjustment since Baker put the closures into effect March 23 had been the reopening of golf courses.

Baker and other state officials stressed what they said is the personal responsibility of residents and businesses to strictly adhere to social distancing and other health guidelines.

"We're playing this game, and it's real one, with the virus and the economy at the same times and it's really important for people to step up and recognize and understand that this game's not over," Baker said.

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