The Baker Administration is out with a phased in approach to the reopening of the state that could begin as early as next week.
According to the Governor:
The goal of the phased reopening, based on public health guidance, is to methodically allow certain businesses, services, and activities to resume, while protecting public health and limiting a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases.
- Phase 1 will be “Start:” limited industries resume operations with severe restrictions
- Phase 2 will be “Cautious:” additional industries resume operations with restrictions and capacity limits
- Phase 3 will be “Vigilant:” additional industries resume operations with guidance
- Phase 4 will be the “New Normal:” development of vaccine and/or therapy enables resumption of new normal
Meantime, a member of the task force that is advising the governor on how to restart the economy says that there will be a new normal for awhile that we are all going to have to get used to.
Dr Mark Keroac at Baystate Health Centers says that people will have to wear masks, social distance and be careful about washing hands and the like.
The Doctor says that he does not know what is in the report or if the Governor will take all the advice given. But the doctor did tell reporters that there would be no quick return to what we knew as normal.
Photo Credit: Joshua Qualls/Governor's Press Office