5/29/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

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On May 29th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on Phase II Reopening and Restaurant and Lodging Guidance.

Here is the summary.

Phase II Reopening

  • The Administration will determine the start of Phase II on June 6th. 

  • On Monday, June 1st, Governor Baker will issue an executive order with a list of sectors that fall into each phase. What the executive order will allow: 

    • Will allow Phase II businesses to bring back employees in preparation for re-opening. 

    • Will allow professional sports teams to begin practicing at their facilities in compliance with the health and safety rules that are in the midst of being developed. 

      • These facilities remain closed to the public. 

Restaurant and Lodging Guidance

  • Today, the Administration issued workplace safety standards for restaurants and lodging. These safety standards have been organized around four distinct categories: 

    • Social Distancing

    • Hygiene Protocols 

    • Staffing and Operations

    • Cleaning and Disinfecting 

Restaurants

  • Outdoor dining will begin when Phase II starts. Indoor dining will begin later within Phase II, this is dependant on public health data. 

  • Social distancing guidelines for restaurants includes: 

    • Spacing tables six feet apart with a maximum party size of six people. 

    • Only spaced table seating is permitted. The use of bars is not permitted.

  • Hygiene protocols for restaurants include: 

    •  Utensils and menus should be kept clean through single use or with strict sanitation. 

    • Reservations or call ahead seating is recommended.

    • Contactless payment.

    • Mobile ordering or text on arrival for seating is encouraged. 

    • Workers should not come to work if sick. 

    • Training for workers on safety standards. 

  • Restaurants need to follow cleaning and disinfecting guidelines, in accordance with CDC guidance. 

    • This includes closing an establishment temporarily if there is a case of COVID-19.

  • For full restaurant guidance, click here.

Lodging

  • Hotels, motels, and other lodging businesses will be allowed to expand their operations in Phase II. 

  • The lodging safety standards apply to all forms of lodging: 

    • Hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, short term residential rentals including Airbnb and VRBO. 

  • Event spaces, like ballrooms and meeting rooms, will remain closed. 

  • On-site restaurants, pools, gyms, spas, golf courses, and other amenities at lodging sites may operate only as these categories are authorized to begin operations in accordance with the phases of the reopening plan.

  • Each room must be cleaned entirely and it is encouraged for lodging spaces to keep each room vacant for 24 hours. 

    • If a customer has COVID-19, that room may only be returned to service if it has an enhanced cleaning process outlined by CDC. 

  • Lodging operators must inform guests of the Commonwealth’s policy that states travelers need to self-quarantine for 14 days when coming from out-of-state.  

  • For full lodging guidance, click here.

Please view the Administration’s Reopening Advisory Board’s full report on Reopening here.

Please view guidance for specific industries here.