COVID-19 Updates from Boston: Phase Two of Reopening Plan is Now Underway

This week Massachusetts officially entered Phase Two of its reopening plan thanks to a declining number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

According to Gov. Baker, since the beginning of May, the seven-day average for the number of positive tests are down 82 percent, while the three-day average of the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 dropped by 55 percent. The number of hospitals working in surge operations also has declined by 76 percent over the past month.

“The start of Phase 2 is encouraging, though COVID-19 is still here," Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito said. "It marks progress thanks to everyone’s compliance, doing their part every day, and businesses opening with these safety measures in place.”

Phase Two will be executed in two steps with the first one allowing outdoor dining, in-store retail operations, and lodging accommodations, in addition to other sectors. The second step will expand to indoor dining and close-contact personal services like massage therapy and nail salons. The date for that step is still to be determined based on public health indicators throughout the state.

As of Monday, June 8:

• Restaurants are allowed to serve diners outdoors with tables 6 feet apart and away from high foot traffic areas. The limit per table is six people and customers are required to wear face coverings.
• Beer gardens, breweries, wineries, and distilleries are also allowed to start up again, but only if they provide seated food service.
• Dining establishments can continue providing carry-out or delivery service, but all safety standards for table separation, size of party, and hygiene must be maintained for any indoor or outdoor table seating that is available to carry-out patrons.
• Most retails stores can open at 40% of maximum occupancy or at 8 people per 1,000 square feet.
• Hotels and other lodgings are allowed to start reopening, but they cannot host weddings, functions, or business meetings.

For regular updates on the MCCA’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, please go to https://sb.signatureboston.com/mcca-covid-19

Boston is open for future bookings. If you need to change the dates of an event that hasn’t been accommodated by another city or are simply looking for a date in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out at sales@SignatureBoston.com.