7/2/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

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On July 2nd, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on Testing, Hospitalizations, Phase III of Reopening, and Revision on the Guidance on Gatherings.

Here is the summary.

Testing

  • Yesterday, over 10,000 tests were reported in MA with 261 new positive cases reported. MA has now reached over 1,075,000 tests administered so far. 

    • The seven day average for positive case rates has dropped to about 1.8%. This is a 94% decrease from the middle of April. 

Hospitalizations

  • As of yesterday, there are currently 752 individuals hospitalized as a result of COVID-19, and 123 are in the ICU. 

  • Please do not hesitate to contact your health care provider about any concerns you may have, COVID-19 related, or not. Telehealth is currently a covered benefit in MA that will be extended to cover all residents until at least the end of the calendar year.

Phase III of Reopening

  • Phase III will begin on Monday, July 6th. The start of Phase III will allow additional sectors to reopen under guidance protocols. Phase III will be significantly longer than the other phases.

    • Like Phase II, Phase III will also operate under a two-step schedule and the first step will start July 6th.

  • Fitness centers and health clubs, including those offering weight training, cross-training, yoga and spin classes will be allowed to reopen under sector-specific protocols.

    • Fitness and gym centers need to keep their occupancy under 40%, sanitize the equipment between every use, and require face coverings.

  • Museums and cultural/historical facilities and small guided tours will be allowed to resume operations with limited capacity. 

    • There needs to be clearly visible signage of preference for timed entry ticketing and limit groups on vehicles such as buses, trolleys, and duck boats to 50%.

  • For general indoor and outdoor events, such as weddings and parties, this means keeping bars and dance floors closed, keeping guests and groups not larger than 6 people, and limiting occupancy.

  • Group treatment programs and therapeutic day programs to resume operation. The Administration is also allowing certain human services programs to reopen, including community-based day services for adults with intellectual and cognitive disabilities and psychosocial rehabilitation club houses. 

  • The Administration also has updated visitation guidelines for 24/7 health and human services congregate care facilities and programs. They are overseen by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and include the Departments of Developmental Services, Youth Services, Children and Families, Public Health, Mental Health, and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.

    • The Administration is relaxing some of the requirements around social distancing and also allowing off-site visits including overnights under very specific guidelines.

  • The Administration is also updating certain guidelines including visitation for long term care facilities, nursing homes, rest homes, and assisted living residences. They will be posted later today.

    • These guidelines use a reasonable person standard and establish a duration minimum of 30 minutes in length to address facilities that impose 10-minute visitation limits.

  • For assisted living residents specifically, the Administration will allow the resumption of inhouse hair salon services and also allow for indoor visitations with safety precautions.

  • Please find the full guidance and list of businesses that can reopen here. Please remember that data, not dates, will dictate Massachusetts’ progress through the reopening phases. 

Revision on the Guidance on Gatherings

  • Indoor gatherings will be limited to 8 people per thousand square feet, but should not include more than 25 people in a single enclosed indoor space.

  • Outdoor gatherings and enclosed spaces are limited to 25% of a facility’s permitted occupancy with a maximum of 100 people in a single enclosed outdoor space.

    • This does not apply to outdoor un-enclosed gatherings such as a barbecue in someone’s backyard. 

    • This guidance does not supersede the specific guidance that has already been laid out as part of the reopening plan. 

    • This order is effective on Monday, July 6th except for the City of Boston where it will be effective Monday, July 13th.