Childcare, Retail Stores Included In Next Phase Of Reopening Plan
BOSTON (CBS/AP) – Massachusetts released more information Monday about what businesses can operate when Phase Two of the state's coronavirus reopening plan begins.
Included in Phase Two are childcare, retail stores, outdoor pools, playgrounds, mini golf, beer gardens and breweries, funeral homes and summer camps.
"Effective today businesses and organizations listed in Phase Two will be permitted to enter their establishment, to start preparing for their opening while remaining closed to the public," Gov. Charlie Baker said. "Safety protocols must be observed during this process but this lead time is important for preparations."
CHECK: Reopening Plan June 1, 2020
Childcare programs licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care will be required to submit plans to the department to be approved once Phase Two reopening begins. The state released new minimum requirements for health and safety at all child care programs.
Outdoor dining at restaurants will be included in the next stage, with tables at least six feet apart and no more than six to a table. Later in Phase Two, restaurants will be able to provide indoor dining.
Retail businesses that fall into Phase Two can also begin putting in place safety requirements needed to welcome back customers.
Stores will be required to monitor customer entries and exits and limit occupancy to either 8 persons — including staff — per 1,000 square feet of accessible, indoor space, or 40% of the retail store's maximum permitted occupancy, whichever is greater. Grocery stores and pharmacies must provide at least one hour of dedicated time for adults 60 or older.
Malls can also operate at 40 percent occupancy.
Hotels, motels and other short term lodging, which are currently only open for essential workers, will be able to reopen for all guests with restrictions.
Also included are recreational summer camps and youth programs.
"Recreational camps can operate with activity restrictions and limited openings for groups that are smaller than 12, which each camp allowed multiple groups of 12 campers," Gov. Baker said.
The state will announce when Phase Two will begin on Saturday, June 6.
With Phase One set to last at least three weeks that means Phase Two cannot start any earlier than Monday, June 8th, depending on trends in the latest coronavirus data in Massachusetts.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)