Reopening Phase 1
Last week, the Baker-Polito Administration released the Reopening Advisory Board’s report on the four-phase reopening of the Massachusetts economy,
Reopening Massachusetts
. This report outlines a roadmap for gradually reopening, as well as guidance as to when which businesses may reopen, and what standards they must adhere to in Phase 1.
Phase 1 began on May 18
th
with lifting restrictions in some industries/sectors. The next milestone was within Phase 1 on May 25
th
, when additional sectors were able to reopen with limitations (including curbside pickup for retail businesses). Phase 1 will last at least three weeks; the Commonwealth will progress to Phase 2 when public health metrics and progress indicate it is safe to do so.
Below are key steps businesses should take as they look ahead to reopening.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUSINESSES
1.
Identify the phase in which your industry or sector is eligible to reopen
2.
Read the guidance for reopening
· Please note that businesses that have been offering essential services and have remained open throughout the COVID-19 outbreak must adhere to the safety standards and create a COVID-19 Control Plan (see below) by May 25
th
. Businesses with office spaces that have been operating as an essential service have until July 1
st
to comply with occupancy limits.
3.
Develop a COVID-19 Control Plan
· All businesses in the Commonwealth must develop a written control plan outlining how its workplace will comply with the mandatory safety standards for operation in the COVID-19 reopening period.
· Control plans do not need to be submitted for approval but must be kept on premises and made available in the case of an inspection or outbreak.
4.
Before
reopening, the business must meet the Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards and attest to compliance
· These should be displayed in an area within the business premises that is visible to employees, customers, and visitors.
5.
Reopen brick-and-mortar operations safely and in line with guidance
· These standards will be jointly enforced by local Boards of Health and the state’s Department of Labor Standards (DLS).
· Businesses play a key role in setting a standard for safe public interactions and in restoring consumer confidence.
· By adhering to these mandatory standards and best practices, businesses, employees, and customers will ensure Massachusetts is able to progress from Phase 1 to Phase 4, the “New Normal.” It’s all of our responsibility to ensure we move forward, and not backwards, in reopening the Massachusetts economy.
Additional resources:
· The report,
Reopening Massachusetts
, offers the full framework of the four-phased reopening and provides an overview of the issues underpinning the approach
·
Department of Public Health’s Safer-At-Home Advisory
gives key guidance for all residents of the Commonwealth, including employers and employees, during Phase 1. Please note, businesses authorized to operate under Phase 1 are not subject to the 10-person limitation on gatherings.
·
Note for retail businesses
: retail businesses may engage in curbside pickup sales as of May 25
th
. Please check the
Essential Services FAQ document
for current guidance on remote fulfillment. Additional notes on curbside pickup guidance will be available in the coming days.