Last week ended with the Baker-Polito Administration announcing a significant development in Massachusetts’ reopening plan. As the COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts approach a plateau, more sectors in the state prepare to open their doors. Businesses are starting to acclimate to the rules and regulations, but with the announcement of Phase 3 of Massachusetts’ reopening plan, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the new changes this phase brings.

Massachusetts Initiates Phase 3 of the Reopening Process

Today, Monday, July 6^th, Phase 3 will start everywhere in Massachusetts except Boston, which will transition into Phase 3 on July 13^th. Gov. Baker explained Phase 3 will be the riskiest phase thus far and will be the last phase for a long time, as Phase 4 is pending the development of a vaccine.

Step One of Phase 3

Like Phase 2, Phase 3 is comprised of two steps. Information on step two has yet to be released, but the first step begins immediately. Step one will last a yet-undetermined length of time and authorizes the reopening of the following industries:

• Museums and cultural and historical sites
• Movie theaters and outdoor entertainment venues
• Professional sporting events without spectators
• Indoor recreational activities with a low risk of contact
• Gyms, fitness centers, and health clubs

For a more comprehensive list of eligible businesses and sector-specific protocols, visit Mass.gov’s dedicated reopening page.

Amended Gathering Order

While more businesses are granted permission to reopen, indoor gatherings are restricted to eight people per 1,000 square feet, with an advisory to not exceed 25 people per single enclosed space. Furthermore, outdoor gatherings in enclosed spaces are restricted to 25 percent of the property’s maximum occupancy, maxing out at 100 people per enclosed outdoor space. This order doesn’t apply to unenclosed gatherings where social-distancing guidelines can be followed.

Updated COVID-19 Travel Guidelines

Guidance relayed on Wednesday, July 3^rd, instructed travelers arriving in Massachusetts – residents returning home included – to quarantine for 14 days. This advisory – described in more detail on Mass.gov – does not apply to the other states of New England nor New York and New Jersey, and workers deemed essential infrastructure workers by the federal government are also exempt.

The public health response to Phase 3 of Massachusetts’ reopening plan is yet to be determined, so as always, it’s critical you prepare your business for the prospect of a rollback or stall of the reopening plan. You can contribute to the health and safety of the public by enforcing the mask requirement in your business. Since we will be in this phase for an unknown length of time, your business should take measures to adjust to the new COVID-19 business reality. In the meantime, should you need advice or a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us at Vision Advertising.