An Explanation of the MA Reopening Plan
On Monday, May 18, 2020, Governor Baker released details on Massachusetts’ four-phase plan to reopen the economy. Need a little help deciphering what the plan means for you and your business? Use these links from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – along with our COVID-19 Information and Resources – to help you plan for a successful reentry into the Berkshire economy.
We are currently in Phase 1, in which limited industries resume operations with severe restrictions.
- Reopening Massachusetts – read the official plan
- Reopening Massachusetts Report – view and download
- Reopening: When Can My Business Open? – understand when your biz can reopen
- Reopening: Four-Phase Approach – read about the four-phase approach
The Phases Explained
Phase 1 – Effective as of March 18
- Beginning on March 18 and following strict guidelines for health and social distancing, manufacturing, construction, and houses of worship may open. Residents are still encouraged to stay home except for essential needs and services.
- Beginning on May 25 and following strict guidelines for health and social distancing, office spaces, hair salons, pet grooming, and car wash locations may open. Retail businesses may do curbside pick-up.
- Beginning on June 1, office spaces in Boston may open.
Phase 2 – Effective at least 3 weeks after Phase 1
- Retail businesses, restaurants, hotels, and other personal services such as nail salons and day spas may reopen with restrictions.
- Recreation, such as campgrounds, playgrounds, public pools, athletic fields and courts and youth sports, is allowed to restart in a limited fashion.
- The “safer-at-home” advisory is lifted, but unnecessary travel for business and recreation is discouraged. Gatherings are limited to 10 people but this may be lifted depending on trends.
Phase 3 – Effective at least three weeks after Phase 2
- Bars, casinos, gyms, museums, entertainment and arts industries may reopen. Other business activities may resume. Nightclubs and large venues are still prohibited from reopening.
- Additional recreation, such as youth sports, may begin, but crowd size restrictions will continue.
Phase 4 – Effective upon the development of vaccines and treatment
- Governor Baker describes this last phase as a “new normal.” People will still be urged to wear face coverings and to maintain physical distance and proper hygiene.
- Travel, all other outdoor recreation, and large venue activity may resume.
For additional information, webinars, and suggested reading, visit our COVID-19 Information and Resources page. Looking for ways to support our community and have a little fun? Read In the Meantime.