Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced on Monday, May 18, a 4-Phase reopening process for Massachusetts businesses – both essential and non-essential.

All Massachusetts businesses have to observe "Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards for reopening." These consist of the following:

  1. Social Distancing: including employees, customers and vendors;
  2. Hygiene Protocols: including handwashing at work and sanitizing of "high touch" areas throughout the workplace;
  3. Staffing and Operations: provide training for employee regarding social distancing, and requiring employees with Covid symptoms to remain at home;
  4. Cleaning and Disinfecting: establish and maintain comprehensive cleaning protocols.

PHASE 1

As of May 18, Essential Businesses can stay open and operational. They must self-certify compliance with mandatory safety standards by May 25.

Other businesses which can now open as of May 18: Manufacturing, Construction, Houses of Worship, and hospitals and community health centers.

On May 25, the other businesses which can reopen are:

  1. Lab and Life Sciences facilities;
  2. Offices, but work from home is still strongly advised. Businesses should restrict workforce presence to under 25% of maximum capacity for now;
  3. Hair Salons/Barber Shops by appointment only;
  4. Pet Grooming Facilities by appointment only with curbside drop off/pick-up
  5. Car Washes;
  6. Recreation and Outdoor facilities, i.e., beaches, parks, drive-in theatres, zoos, etc.;
  7. Other Healthcare Providers who provide "high priority preventive care, pediatric care, and treatment for high risk patients;
  8. Retail: remote fulfillment and curbside pick-up.

As of June 1, 2020, offices in the city of Boston can open if they follow applicable guideline.

Phase 1 reopening requires Self-Certification for Businesses. The state website provides several comprehensive templates for control plans, compliance attestation, and other posters for the workplace.

The Commonwealth intends to partner with industries to draft "Sector-Specific Protocols" in advance of future Phases being implemented.

PHASE II

With restrictions and some capacity limitations, the following businesses can open:

  1. Retail;
  2. Restaurants (with conditions yet to be announced);
  3. Lodging;
  4. Nail Salons;
  5. Day Spas.
  6. Recreation and Outdoor facilities (campgrounds, playgrounds, public pools, athletic fields)

PHASE III

  1. Bars;
  2. Casinos;
  3. Fitness/Gyms;
  4. Museums.

All other business activities may resume during this Phase except for nightclubs and large venues.

PHASE IV

This Phase presumes full resumption of activities under the new normal" safety mandates.

CAUTION:

The Governor has made it clear that reaching additional Phases will depend upon how well the implementation of Phase 1 goes in light of the various restrictions and mandates for operation. Phases will be implemented initially for three week periods.

If, in fact, the COVID-19 situation does not improve prior to the implementation of additional Phases, those Phases may well be delayed.

RESOURCES:

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