Governor Charlie Baker announced the details of the state’s reopening plans on Monday, May 18.
Businesses will be permitted to reopen in a four phase process after completing a mandatory self-certification process. That includes completing a COVID-19 control plan, post a compliance attestation poster and signs indicating employer and worker guidance which describing the rules for social distancing hygiene protocols, cleaning and disinfecting.
Each of the four phases will last at least three weeks. Phases can be extended or rolled back to a previous phase based on six public health indicators:
- COVID-19 positive test rate (7-day average)
- Number of individuals who died from COVID-19 (3-day average)
- Number of patients with COVID-19 in hospitals (3-day average)
- Healthcare system readiness
- Testing capacity
- Contact tracing capabilities
Before and during the reopening process, these six indicators will be monitored and updated by the COVID-19 Command Center using one of three possible status designations: Positive (green), In Progress (yellow) or Negative Trend (red).
Currently COVID-19 positive test rate and testing capacity is classified as Positive. The other four indicators are classified as In Progress.
Business Openings in Phase One
The details provided for the first phase of reopening businesses are below.
Construction
Phase 1 – May 18
All construction businesses, please refer to detailed guidance for reopening
Firearm retailers and shooting ranges
Phase 1 – May 18
Home remodeling
Phase 1 – May 18
All construction businesses, please refer to detailed guidance for reopening (includes guidance for remodeling in 1-3 family residences)
In home installations
Phase 1 – May 18, Construction related – e.g., painting, repairs, etc.
Phase 2 – Non construction related – e.g., carpet installation, home theaters, security systems
Manufacturing
Phase 1 – May 18
All manufacturing businesses, please refer to detailed guidance for reopening
Places of worship
Phase 1 – May 18
Please refer to detailed guidance for reopening
Auto dealers and wholesalers
Phase 1 – May 25 for curbside pickup and delivery only
Phase 2 – browsing inside the showroom with restrictions
Follow guidelines for non-essential retail and car dealerships found in the Essential Services FAQ
Car washes
Phase 1 – May 25
Please refer to detailed guidance for reopening
Drive-in movie theaters
Phase 1 – May 25
These businesses must follow Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards.
Hair salons / barbershops
Phase 1 – May 25
Please refer to detailed guidance for reopening
General office spaces
Phase 1 – May 25 except City of Boston
Phase 1 – June 1 City of Boston
Please refer to detailed guidance for reopening
Lab space
Phase 1 – May 25
Please refer to detailed guidance for reopening
Libraries
Phase 1 – May 25 for curbside pickup and delivery only
Phase 2 – browsing inside the Library with restrictions
Pet grooming
Phase 1 – May 25
Please refer to detailed guidance for reopening
Retail (such as clothing stores, toy stores, jewelry stores, nurseries and garden centers that don’t sell food products, adult use cannabis stores)
Phase 1 – May 25 for curbside pickup and delivery only
Phase 2 – browsing inside the store with restrictions
