As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, our team is working to keep up to date on how it’s affecting our community. We recognize it’s critical you have the right information when organizing your business’s operations. Over the past week, there have been some significant developments regarding Phase 2 of Massachusetts’ reopening process. It’s important you familiarize yourself with these changes, especially how step two of Phase 2 could impact your business.

Step Two of Phase 2 Commences

As discussed in our second installment, Phase 2 was to be enacted in two steps. As of today, Monday, June 22^nd,  step two of Phase 2 of Massachusetts’ Four-Phase Reopening Process is underway, paving the way for more industries to reopen or expand services. In particular, the following sectors are affected by this next step:

• Restaurants: Indoor seating is permitted. However, restrictions still apply, such as prohibiting parties greater than 6 and requiring tables to be 6 feet apart. A detailed list of regulations can be found via Massachusetts’ Safety Standards and Checklist: Restaurants.
• Close Contact Personal Services: Businesses that require close contact – such as nail salons, massage therapists, and tanning salons – can reopen. Restrictions and safety protocols are outlined in Massachusetts’ Safety Standards and Checklist: Close Contact Personal Services.
• Retail Dressing Rooms: Dressing rooms can be used by appointment only. However, businesses are required to abide by Massachusetts’ Safety Standards and Checklist: Retail Businesses.
• Offices: Offices are allowed to increase capacity from 25% to 50%, while still following the safety standards detailed here: Massachusetts’ Safety Standards and Checklist: Office Spaces.

For businesses that fall outside these industries, you can visit Mass.gov’s sector-specific list to see which restrictions and safety standards apply.

Pop-Up Testing Sites Available for Participants of Large Gatherings

The Baker-Polito Administration announced pop-up COVID-19 testing sites will be available throughout Massachusetts for participants of large gatherings. While this news does not impact businesses, it’s a useful resource to team members who have been subject to increased exposure from large gatherings, such as from recent protests. These tests will be free, and you can locate nearby testing centers by using the COVID-19 Test Site Locator.

While the transition into step two of Phase 2 is an exciting prospect for a lot of businesses, it’s important to make plans in case Massachusetts rolls back the reopening process. Despite new information becoming available, the COVID-19 pandemic is still a perplexing issue that can worsen at any moment. It’s important to prepare for the unfortunate event of another lockdown. In the meantime, do not cease your marketing efforts, and if you are to reopen, do so with proper safety protocols in place. If you should need some advice or a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us at Vision Advertising.