Updates to Reopening in MA

​Step 2 of Phase III Begins October 5th 
The Governor announced this week that effective Monday, October 5th, lower risk communities will be permitted to move into Step 2 of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. All other communities will remain in Phase III, Step 1.

Changes to Protocols and New Reopenings
Effective October 5th, a limited number of sectors will be eligible to reopen, with restrictions, in Step 2 of Phase III for lower risk communities only. Updated protocols for the below industries and businesses were posted on the Reopening website this week. Industry specific guidance and protocols for a range of Phase I, II, and III businesses have also been updated.

• Indoor performance venues will be permitted to open with 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people. 
• Outdoor performance venue capacity will increase to 50% with a max of 250 people.
• For arcades and indoor and outdoor recreation businesses, additional Step 2 activities like trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks and laser tag will also be permitted to open and capacity will increase to 50%. 
• Fitting rooms will be permitted to open in all types of retail stores.  
• Gyms, museums, libraries and driving and flight schools will also be permitted to increase their capacity to 50%. 

Gatherings Order Update

• The limit for indoor gatherings remains at a maximum of 25 people for all communities.
• Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 50 people for all communities.
• Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will have a limit of 50 people in Step 1 communities, and a limit of 100 people in lower risk, Step 2 communities.

Extension of Tax Relief for Small Businesses
This includes the extension of the deferral of regular sales tax, meals tax, and room occupancy taxes for small businesses due from March 2020 through April 2021, so that they will instead be due in May 2021. Read more here.
Updates to Restaurant Protocols
Effective September 28th, restaurants can seat 10 people to a table, an increase over the previous limit of six; this will apply to both indoor and outdoor seating. These protocols also reflect updates to guidance on bar seating for dining.
Updates to Retail Protocols Regarding Self-serve Beverages
As of September 28th, self-serve beverage stations may reopen in retail businesses in line with guidance provided in the protocols.

Tom O'Rourke, CCE
President and CEO