3/23/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

On March 23rd, Governor Baker held a press conference to issue an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces. He also directed the Department of Public Health to issue a stay at home advisory.

Here is the summary.

On March 23rd, Governor Baker issued an emergency order requiring all non-essential businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical businesses and facilities. This is effective from March 24th at noon until April 7th at noon. Please be aware that the administration has made a specific list of categories of business that they consider “essential” as we battle COVID-19. Please click here to see the list: https://www.mass.gov/d…/covid-19-essential-services/download 

This list has been procured based on federal guidance and adapted to meet our Commonwealth’s economy. The ‘essential’ businesses on this list are still recommended to follow social distancing protocols from the Department of Public Health. If businesses have any questions, please email covid19.biz@mass.gov. If businesses would like to apply for ‘essential’ designation, please do so here: https://www.mass.gov/forms/essential-service-designation-request?fbclid=IwAR3n3d7c28QZdPJ_yp8EBbzVPGA7n6G6TcvYrNF2zVqhDI66ieVJMwoUevg

Please note that restaurants, bars, and other establishments that sell food and beverage products are encouraged to continue to offer food for take-out and delivery while continuing to follow social distancing protocols set forth by the Department of Public Health. On-premise consumption of food or drink at restaurants, bars, and other establishments is prohibited. 

Governor Baker has also directed the Department of Public Health to issue a stay at home advisory outlining self-isolation and social distancing protocols. This advisory will also be in effect until April 7th. Residents are strongly advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel during these two weeks. The administration also strongly advises people over the age of 70 and/or with underlying health issues to stay home and limit their interactions with others as much as possible. The Governor’s order also limits public gatherings to ten people during the state of emergency. Gatherings include any public event or activity that brings more than ten people together in any confined indoor or outdoor space.

The administration will always allow all grocery stores, pharmacies, and other types of businesses that provide essential services to members of the Commonwealth to continue to operate. They will not stop anyone from accessing these businesses. 

Please remember that although the measures described above may sound restrictive, they are put into place in order to give our public health experts the time they need to take on the necessary steps in order to overcome this virus. Please remember that we all have a very important role to play as we fight this virus.