offered by
Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
Office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito

Reopening Massachusetts

The Baker-Polito Administration’s comprehensive plan to safely reopen the Massachusetts economy, get people back to work, and ease social restrictions while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-19.

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Table of Contents

Learn more about Reopening Massachusetts

Download the Reopening MA Report  Four-Phase Approach  Readiness and capabilities dashboard  When can my business reopen  Submit questions and comments about Reopening Massachusetts 

Additional Resources

DPH Safer-at-Home Advisory
Reopening Massachusetts Phase One Summary and Translations
Reopening Massachusetts May 18, 2020 - Español (PDF 2.12 MB)

General business guidance

Information to help businesses meet the self-certification requirement to reopen. All businesses must meet these requirements before reopening. Businesses operating to provide Essential Services, as defined in the Governor's March 23, 2020 Executive Order, updated on March 31, April 28 and May 15, may remain open and have until May 25, 2020 to comply with these mandatory safety standards.

  • COVID-19 control plan template – Template that satisfies the written control plan requirement for self-certification
  • Compliance attestation poster – Poster that customer facing businesses are required to print, sign, and post in an area within the business premises that is visible to workers and visitors
  • Employer and Worker posters – Posters that businesses can print and display within the business premises to describe the rules for maintaining social distancing, hygiene protocols, and cleaning and disinfecting
Mandatory Safety Standards for Workplaces  COVID-19 control plan template  Compliance attestation poster  Employer poster  Worker poster  Find Supply Vendors 

Additional Resources

General business guidance documents and translations

Sector-specific protocols and best practices

Mandatory safety standards and recommended best practices for sectors that are eligible to open in Phase 1. Additional sector guidance for future phases will be issued at a later date. Businesses operating to provide Essential Services, as defined in the Governor's March 23, 2020 Executive Order, updated on March 31, April 28 and May 15, may remain open and have until May 25, 2020 to comply with their industry’s sector-specific protocols (if applicable).

    Construction - Permitted to reopen on May 18, 2020  Manufacturing - Permitted to reopen on May 18, 2020  Offices spaces - Permitted to reopen on May 25, 2020 (Boston: June 1, 2020)  Laboratories - Permitted to reopen on May 25, 2020  Hair salons and barbershops - Permitted to reopen on May 25, 2020  Car washes - Permitted to reopen on May 25, 2020  Pet grooming - Permitted to reopen on May 25, 2020  [PREVIEW] Restaurants - Permitted to reopen in Phase 2  [PREVIEW] Operators of Lodgings - Permitted to reopen in Phase 2 

    Additional guidance

    Additional guidelines for activities that are eligible to resume in Phase 1.

    Places of worship

    Places of Worship - Permitted to reopen on May 18, 2020 

    Outdoor Recreation

    Use the button below to find guidance from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs regarding recreation, including beaches, parks, mountain biking, recreational boating, and more.

    Outdoor recreation guidance from EEA 

    HHS guidance

    Reopening Health and Human Services in Massachusetts 

    Additional Resources

    Mold and Legionella Reopening Guidance (DOCX 41.46 KB)

    The Reopening Advisory Board

    On April 28, Governor Baker announced the formation of the Reopening Advisory Board, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy. The Board includes representatives from the business community, public health officials, and municipal leaders from across the Commonwealth. This group is charged with advising the Baker-Polito Administration on strategies to reopen the economy in phases based on health and safety metrics.

    Meet the Board 

    Additional Resources

    Baker-Polito Administration Extends Non-Essential Business Closures to May 18th, Announces Reopening Advisory Board
    Baker-Polito Administration Announces Four-Phase Approach to Reopening and Publishes Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards
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