It looks like kids might get to have some normalcy this summer after all. Yesterday, Governor Baker announced that both child care and summer camps will be able to reopen, along with retail stores and other organizations during Phase 2.
Come Saturday, Governor Baker will announce when Phase Two will begin. Given that Phase One must last three weeks, the earliest the second phase could start is June 8th. However, this all depends on Massachusett’s coronavirus trends and data.
Governor Baker said that businesses and organizations listed in Phase Two are able to enter their establishment and prepare for their reopening. Outdoor pools, mini-golf, retail stores, beer gardens, breweries, hotels and funeral homes are included in Phase Two reopening. Safety protocols must be observed.
Child Care & Camps
Both child care centers and day camps are set to reopen as soon as next Monday. However, overnight camps are still prohibited from reopening until later in the summer. Day camps are only permitted to open for groups that are smaller than 12 campers.
Retail Stores
As for retail stores, they will be required to monitor and those who enter the store. At any given time, only 40% of the store’s maximum occupancy will be permitted in the store. The same 40% occupancy rule goes for malls as well.
Hotel & Lodging
Currently, hotels and lodging is only open for essential workers but will be able to reopen for guests, with the following restrictions:
- Function halls, meeting rooms and indoor and outdoor event facilities to continue to be closed (so, no weddings or organized gatherings)
- If guests are arriving from out of state, they must inform the hotel and self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Pools, gyms, golf courses and spas can only operate if they are permitted to do so in other parts of the state
Restaurants & Dining
Tables for outdoor dining must be six feet apart and no more than six people to a table. Restaurants will be able to provide indoor dining later in Phase 2.
While we await a decision, guidance for all businesses set to reopen can be found here.
