Reopening Massachusetts: Guidance, Dates, and What Can Reopen in Each Phase of MA’s Reopening Plan

2/25/21 UPDATE: Large capacity venues can operate at 12% starting on 3/22/21 as part of "Phase 4" of the Commonwealth's COVID-19 Reopening Plan.

Fenway Park: 4,500 fans
Gillette Stadium: 7,900 fans
TD Garden: 2,300 fans

Gyms, offices, retail, and other customer-facing Phase 3 businesses can operate at 50% starting 3/1.

No restaurant capacity limit.

Wedding dance floors back on 3/22.

https://twitter.com/OnlyInBOS/status/1365009353036685313

PREVIOUSLY

On May 18, 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration released the "Reopening Massachusetts" report, which details a four-phased strategy to responsibly reopen businesses and activities while continuing to fight COVID-19. The Administration also released a new “Safer-At-Home” Advisory, which instructs residents to stay at home unless engaging with newly opened activities, as a way to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19. Starting May 18, 2020, based on current public health data and trends, Massachusetts entered Phase 1 of a cautious reopening, and workplaces that are permitted to open are required to follow new safety protocols and guidance.

NOTE: Each phase will last a minimum of three weeks and could last longer before moving to the next phase. If public health data trends are negative, specific industries, regions, and/or the entire Commonwealth may need to return to an earlier phase.

Below is a bulleted list of what can reopen in each Phase of Massachusetts' reopening plan. For specifics, please refer to Mass.gov's "When can my business reopen?" guide.

Please note that towns & cities may be enforcing additional guidance/restrictions. E.G. Mayor Walsh has announced that offices in the City of Boston will not be allowed to open at 25% max occupancy until June 1, and all large parades & festivals in Boston are canceled through Labor Day.

See TBC's COVID-19 Boston News and Resources page here.

PHASE 1: MAY 18 – JUNE 7 (TENTATIVE DATES)

Under a staggered approach, Phase 1 sectors of the economy that will be permitted to open (with applicable guidelines):

May 18

• Manufacturing facilities
• Construction sites
• Places of worship

May 25

• Office space (25% max occupancy)
• Lab space
• Hair salons
• Pet grooming
• Carwashes
• Retail: remote fulfillment & curbside pick-up
• Beaches
• Parks
• Drive-in movie theaters
• Select athletic fields and courts
• Many outdoor adventure activities
• Most fishing, hunting, and boating
• Outdoor gardens, zoos, reserves, and public installations

Additional sectors expected to open on June 1 as part of Phase 1 include office spaces in the City of Boston with applicable guidelines.

PHASE 2: JUNE 8 – JUNE 28 (TENTATIVE DATES)

• Restaurant dining areas (likely at 25% max occupancy and *possibly* only outdoor dining first)
• Libraries (browsing inside with restrictions)
• Retail (e.g. clothing stores)
• Recreational cannabis stores
• Hotels and accommodations
• Nail salons
• Day spas
• Massage therapy
• Tattoo parlors
• Electrolysis studios
• Select outdoor performance venues
• Miniature golf, go-karts, batting cages
• Recreational day camps
• Select youth sports
• Driving schools (behind-the-wheel training or observation of another student driver)

PHASE 3: JULY 6 – AT LEAST LATE JULY (TENTATIVE DATES)

Note: The state anticipates Phase 3 lasting for more than 3 weeks.

• Gyms & fitness studios
• Casinos
• Select concert halls & theaters
• Movie theatres
• Museums
• Select performance venues
• Summer camps
• Tours
• Amusement parks (TBD – either Phase 3 or 4)
• Other indoor recreation (e.g. indoor batting cages, indoor go-karts)
• Sightseeing (i.e. bus tours, duck tours, harbor cruises, whale watching)

PHASE 4: TBD - "NEW NORMAL"

Note: Phase 4 is contingent on the development of vaccines and/or treatments that will enable resumption of "new normal."

• Bars
• Large arenas
• Stadiums
• Night clubs
• Race tracks
• Other sports venues

TBD

• Cruise ships

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