Baker also acknowledged that the start of Phase 4, which would include reopening bars and nightclubs, would depend on a vaccine or treatment.
The governor also warned that residents should continue to wear face covers, wash their hands, and practice social distancing to stop the spread of the virus.
Here’s a look at what may reopen in Phase 3, and what restrictions will apply for each industry, based on guidance and state officials.
Meetings
The current limit of 10 people at any indoor or outdoor meeting is being loosened, starting Monday, July 6, except in Boston, where it will take effect on Monday, July 13, so that the city can work through permit protocols. .
The updated order states that indoor meetings are limited to eight people per 1,000 square feet, but should not include more than 25 people in a single closed interior space.
Outdoor meetings in closed spaces are limited to 25 percent of the allowed occupancy of a facility with a maximum of 100 people in a single closed outdoor space. This applies to community events, civic events, sporting events, concerts, conventions, and more. Baker noted that it does not apply to non-closed outdoor gatherings, such as a barbecue in your backyard or a walk in the park, and that the guidance does not replace the specific guidance set forth in the reopening plan.
For indoor and outdoor events like weddings and parties, bars and dance floors must be kept closed, guests must be in groups of no more than 6 people, and occupancy limits will be set, authorities said Thursday.
Gyms and fitness
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said gyms and fitness centers, including studios offering weight training, cross training, yoga and spinning classes, will be able to reopen Monday, July 6, under industry-specific protocols.
“Going to the gym may not look the same,” said Polito. “But we hope these new protocols will allow more residents to get back to exercise and stay fit and back to those routines.”
Gyms must maintain occupancy below 40 percent, sanitize equipment between each use, and require workers and customers to cover their faces, according to state guidelines.
Occupancy cannot exceed eight people per 1,000 square feet, and all occupancy counts include staff, visitors, and other workers.
All equipment, including weights, machines, treadmills, and bicycles, must be spaced at least 14 feet apart, or 6 feet apart if barriers are installed. (If space is not possible, lock equipment between machines to keep 14 feet apart.)
“If clients are unable to cover their faces during strenuous physical activities, the physical distance must be at least 14 feet. If clients wear face covers during physical activities, the physical distance should be at least 6 feet, ”says the state guide.
Clients should be encouraged to use their own equipment, such as sneakers, jump ropes, yoga mats, and water bottles; If shared items are used, they must be disinfected between each use. Water sources should only be used as charging stations.
Lockers must be closed or locked to impose 6 feet of social distance, and must be disinfected after each use. Gyms should provide sanitizing wipes near closets or in locker rooms.
All communal and partitioned showers must also be closed. Saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms cannot reopen until Phase 4.
Towels can still be distributed, but there are rules. They should be stored in clearly labeled containers (clean or dirty), and appropriate temperatures should be used when washing and drying them. Employees must also wear appropriate protective equipment (gloves and a face covering) when handling towels.
Fans should also not be used indoors, but windows and doors should be opened to increase air flow when possible.
Professional sports
Baker said professional sports teams, under the authority of league-wide rules, will be able to hold games in Massachusetts, but without spectators.
Cinemas
Theaters can reopen under the first step of Phase 3.
Outdoor performance venues
Places can be opened in the first step of Phase 3.
Museums, aquariums, historical sites and guided tours.
These can be reopened under the first step of Phase 3.
Guests can expect to see clearly visible signs, scheduled entry ticketing, and groups limited to 50 percent of their capacity in vehicles such as cars, buses, and duck boats.
In museums, only 40 percent of the allowed occupancy, or eight people (including staff) will be allowed per 1,000 square feet, according to state guidelines. Physical barriers must also be installed for ticket counters and payment stations, and museums are encouraged to offer exclusive hours for those in high-risk categories. Facial covers will also be required for all workers and visitors.
Casinos
Polito said the casinos are part of Phase 3 and are eligible to open on Monday. She said the state gaming commission has voted on “significant” protocols to keep people safe, and that casino operators have accepted those provisions. She also said casinos will likely begin to activate their workforce, train employees on the new protocols, and then invite the public in about a week after that.
Encore Boston Harbor, for example, said they will open their doors on July 12, with new security protocols and training. Everett Casino recently suspended about 3,000 employees, after keeping them on the payroll for months while it was closed, but spokesman Eric Kraus said Thursday that “a large portion” of them will be brought in immediately and trained in the new protocols next time. week.
Health care
In Phase 3, health care providers may continue to provide in-person procedures and services as allowed in Phase 2, with the addition of certain group treatment programs and day programs, such as adult day health, habilitation programs daytime and substance abuse services. Outpatient treatment and services, according to a statement from the Baker administration.
Certain human services programs may also reopen, including community-based day services for adults with intellectual and cognitive disabilities and psychosocial rehabilitation clubs.
All providers must meet public health and safety standards.
Visiting guidelines have also been updated for 24/7 congregate care facilities and programs overseen by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, including Departments of Developmental Services, Youth, Children and Family Services, Public Health, Health Mental and the Commission for Mass Rehabilitation.
MassHealth will also extend its current telehealth flexibility until at least year-end.
Globe Log staff Tim Logan contributed to this report.
Jaclyn Reiss can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @JaclynReiss
