Reopening Massachusetts

CURRENT STATE: Phase III, Step 2 (as of October 5, 2020) for lower-risk communities

Lower-risk communities are permitted to move into Step II of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. (Details)

Lower-risk communities are defined as cities and towns that have not been designated in the “red” category in any of the last three weekly Department of Public Health weekly reports. Communities will lose their lower-risk designation if they are a "red" community for three consecutive DPH weekly reports.

Click here to see the list of communities not designated as lower-risk communities.

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.

Learn more about Reopening Massachusetts

Download the Reopening MA Report  Readiness and capabilities dashboard  When can my business reopen  Submit questions and comments about Reopening  How do I report non-compliance 

Latest Update (9/29/20): Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition to Step II of Phase III for Lower Risk Communities Effective October 5th

Additional Resources: 

• COVID-19 Travel Order

• DPH Safer-at-Home Advisory

• Reopening Massachusetts Plan - Español

General business guidance

Information to help businesses meet the self-certification requirement to reopen. All businesses must meet these requirements before reopening. 

• COVID-19 control plan template – Template that satisfies the written control plan requirement for self-certification
• Compliance attestation poster – Poster that 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 [اللغة العربية , Español, 中文（简体字）, 中文（正體字）, Kreyòl ayisyen, ગુજરાતી, ខ្មែរ, 한국어, Português, Tiếng Việt]

Sector-specific protocols and best practices

Upon reopening, all Phase 1, 2 and 3 businesses must follow the sector-specific safety protocols and best practices linked below. Additional sector guidance for future phases will be issued at a later date.

Access sector-specific protocols, best practices and checklists 

Additional guidance

Recreation  Reopening health and human services  Child care  Occupational Schools and Testing Centers  Reopening higher education  Reopening K-12 schools  Reopening gaming establishments (via MGC)  Recreational day camps and programs 

Additional Resources

Mold and Legionella Reopening Guidance

Addressing stagnant water in buildings

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 

Reopening Press Releases:

• 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
• Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to First Phase of Four-Phase Approach
• Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito Highlight Workplace Implementation of New COVID-19 Safety Standards at Symmons Industries in Braintree
• Baker-Polito Administration Provides Update on Phase II of Reopening Plan, Releases Guidance for Restaurants and Lodging
• Governor Baker Issues Executive Order in Advance of Phase II
• Baker-Polito Administration Releases Detailed Guidelines for the Phased Reopening of Child Care, Camps and Summer Recreational Programs
• Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Second Phase of Four-Phase Approach
• Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Step Two of Second Phase of Four-Phase Approach
• Baker-Polito Administration Announces Updated Travel Guidelines to Support COVID-19 Response
• Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Third Phase of Four-Phase Approach
• Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition to Step II of Phase III for Lower Risk Communities Effective October 5th