In our previous COVID-19 weekly roundup, we discussed Massachusetts’s transition into Phase 2 of the four-phase reopening process. We are still in the midst of step one of this phase, which includes the resumption of some operations in compliance with mandatory safety standards and capacity limitations. While there haven’t been many developments regarding the reopening process since last week, there is some news we feel is beneficial to share.

Restaurants Proceed with Outdoor Dining

In accordance with step one, as discussed in the previous installment, Restaurants have begun to resume dining services by cordoning off parking lot space and creating improvised patios for seating. Restaurant owners are benefiting from the expedited Alcoholic Beverages License (ABCC) process, which can be applied for online. To accelerate this process, most cities and towns aren’t requiring owners to appear in front of a licensing board and are receiving permission to provide service outdoors in a matter of days.

Outdoor Dining for Boston-Based Restaurants

City officials in Boston are currently exploring ways for restaurants to similarly take advantage of public space for outdoor dining, considering 250 restaurants have applied for licenses since the initiation of Phase 2, according to the Boston Herald.

Gov. Baker Files COVID-19 Data Collection Bill

While this won’t directly impact businesses, it’s helpful to know that Gov. Baker has filed a bill to build upon legislation relating to COVID-19 data collection. The purpose of the COVID-19 Data Collection Bill is to more accurately portray the virus’s impact on communities in Massachusetts. The state’s Department of Public Health will now be granted the authority to administer fines to health care providers and laboratories who do not report their collected data in a timely fashion. This bill also calls for elder care facilities to report COVID-19 data about their residents and staff.

It’s important to realize that although Massachusetts is moving ahead with the four-phase reopening process, the state is still experiencing positive COVID-19 test results, so the governor has the authority to reinstate the lockdown if necessary. In the meantime, if you are able to resume operations, it’s good to start preparing for the unfortunate event of another lockdown. If you should need some advice or a consultation, we at Vision Advertising are more than happy to help. Contact us today if you have any questions regarding COVID-19 or otherwise.