Massachusetts Stay-At-Home Order Extended 2 Weeks

Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday extended the Massachusetts stay-at-home order two weeks to May 18. The order was initially set to expire May 4. The extension also applies to the closure of nonessential businesses and ban on gatherings of 10 or more people.

Baker said the measures, issued March 23, have "played a significant role" in slowing the spread of the new coronavirus. Reopening too soon could help the virus rebound, he warned.

Baker also said the state will see a "phased reopening," but stressed the need for a downward trend in COVID-19 hospitalizations before people get back to work. While COVID-19 cases have plateaued for 12 days, hospitalizations remain high.

• See the full list of what is considered essential.

A 17-member reopening advisory board will help guide Massachusetts. The board is expected to create a report by May 18 on what a reopening will look like.

The board, which will hold its first meeting Tuesday afternoon, is made up of three public health officials, three municipal leaders and 11 people from business community. It will be chaired by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.

"We can and we will do everything in our power to get this right," Polito said.

The advisory board will also look whether to shorten the childcare closures, currently set to expire June 29.

The announcements come one day after Baker said Massachusetts has "flattened the curve," but warned it could take more time for the curve's downward slope to hit the bottom.

On Monday, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said his city won't be reopening May 4.

The latest numbers released Monday have the state's death toll at 3,003 after 104 new fatalities related to COVID-19. The state also confirmed an additional 1,524 cases of the virus, bringing the total to 56,462. More than 244,800 tests have been performed across the state's public and private labs.

Related

• State Needs To Increase Testing To Reopen Safely
• COVID-19 Antibody Tests Now Available Across MA
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