BOSTON (WHDH) - It will be at least three weeks until Massachusetts restaurants can welcome customers back in some sort of capacity, while the days of drinking at a bar and working out in a gym are at least six weeks away, according to the state’s four-phase reopening plan, and some restaurant owners aren’t happy.
If public health data continues to trend positive, Phase 2 would commence as early as June 8, and restaurants would be permitted to expand their services with capacity limitations and health restrictions in place to guard against the spread of coronavirus.
It’s not clear if customers will be allowed inside restaurants, but Phase 2 states businesses can reopen with “updated guidelines in place” and “outdoor services are encouraged.”
Gov. Charlie Baker announced Monday that all businesses, including restaurants, will have to comply with mandatory safety standards and recommended best practices in social distancing, hygiene protocols, staffing and operations, and cleaning and disinfecting.
Restaurants will continue to offer curbside pickup and takeout until further notice. Marty Bloom, who owns several restaurants in the Metro Boston area, said managers need more specific information from officials.
“There’s frustration with being treated so poorly with no guidance whatsoever,” Bloom said. “It’s all about the fact that nobody is communicating with us.”
But waitress Cavaleri said that while she is out of work, staying safe is more important.
“I’m not thrilled about it, but people’s safety [comes] first,” she said. “It’s pretty lousy right now, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Each phase of the state’s plan to a “New Normal” will last a minimum of three weeks, according to Baker.
Bars, casinos, gyms, theaters, and museums could open as early as June 29 when Phase 3 is launched, as long as the state’s plan unfolds as scheduled without hiccups.
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If COVID-19 positive test rates, deaths, hospitalizations, and testing capacity trend negative, then specific industries, regions, or the entire Commonwealth may be forced to return to an earlier phase, Baker said.
Phase 1 of the plan, which took effect Monday, calls for the reopening of construction sites, manufacturing businesses, and places of worship.
The state’s Reopening Advisory Board’s full report can be viewed below:
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