At a press conference scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Eastern, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) is expected to provide further information about the state’s reopening plan. The state’s stay-at-home order is set to expire today.
Last Monday, Baker unveiled a four-phase plan for reopening Massachusetts. Under Phase 1 (“Start”), limited industries will be permitted to reopen, subject to restrictions. In Phase 2 (“Cautious”), additional industries will be permitted to reopen, subject to restrictions and capacity limits. Under Phase 3 (“Vigilant”), more industries will be allowed to reopen, subject to guidance. In phase 4 (“New Normal”), which is contingent on the development of a vaccine and/or therapeutic treatment, normal activities may resume. The plan did not elaborate on specific effective dates or contingencies for phases 1, 2, or 3.
Massachusetts is one of six states that have yet to begin implementing a reopening plan. The others are Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Illinois, and South Dakota. The remaining 44 states have partially or completely lifted restrictions on three or more industries.