Gov. Charlie Baker announced on Saturday that Phase 2 of the reopening plan can begin on Monday, June 8th. So which businesses will open and what restrictions will be in place? Here’s the breakdown:
Retail
Retail stores, including those inside shopping malls, can reopen for browsing — with restrictions. Everyone should remain six feet apart and wear face coverings. There can be no “sampling or application of personal goods (i.e., make-up, perfume, lotion),” and fitting rooms for trying on clothes will be closed.
Restaurants
Dining outdoors at restaurants will kick off phase 2. Restrictions apply. Indoor dining will come later in phase 2. No more than six at a table. Menus must be disposable or accessed through a phone. No one can sit at the bar. Masks must be worn in and around the restaurant but diners can go without a mask while sitting at the table.
Guidelines also recommend that restaurants should ask for diners’ contact information, whether they make a reservation or walk-in for a table. This will help in the event of a presumptive or positive case of COVID-19 in a worker, patron, or vendor. The restaurant are required to close immediately for 24 hours and be cleaned and disinfected before reopening.
Beer gardens, breweries, wineries, and distilleries can open under Phase 2 if they are “providing seated food service under retail food permits issued by municipal authorities.” If these businesses, do not provided seated food service, they can’t open until Phase 4. However, those that do not provide seated food service wouldn’t be able to reopen until Phase 4 – July 20th at the earliest.
Indoor dining can begin Phase 2, Part 2 – which is Monday, June 22nd.
Lodging
While hotels, motels, inns, and other short-term lodgings are currently open to essential workers and vulnerable populations, they will be allowed to reopen to other guests during Phase 2, with restrictions. All function rooms — including ballrooms, meeting rooms, and any indoor or outdoor event facilities — will remain closed, and weddings and business gatherings are not allowed.
Daycare/Day camps/youth and adults sports
Childcare facilities and day camps can open with restrictions and safety guidelines. Limited organized youth and adult amateur sports programs and activities can resume. Adults can only play outdoors; supervised youth programs and activities can be held indoors.
Doctors/Dentists/Healthcare
Other than cosmetic surgery, all health/wellness appointments with doctors and dentist can open with restrictions and safety guidelines in place.
Who else can open during Phase 2 with restrictions/safety guidelines?
Funeral homes – 40% capacity – one service at a time.
Golf facilities, including outdoor driving rangesWarehouses and distribution centers
Professional sports practice and training programs
Outdoor recreational facilities such as pools, playgrounds, spray decks, mini golf, go karts, batting cages, and climbing walls
Outdoor historical spaces and sites
Libraries
Car dealers
Home installations and renovations
Driving schools
Flight schools
Photography, window washers, career coaching, and other personal services that don’t require close personal contact
Massage therapy, nail salons, tattoo parlors, and electrolysis studios can reopen during part 2 of Phase 2 on Monday, June 22nd.
Personal training for individuals or no more than two people from the same household can resume during part 2 of Phase 2 on Monday, June 22nd.
You can see a full list of safety guidelines and restrictions here.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
