Next Wave Of MA Reopening Starts Monday: What To Know

BOSTON — A second wave of reopenings is slated to begin in Massachusetts Monday. Several types of businesses will be given the green light to open as part of the state's phased plan to reopen sectors of the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As businesses are allowed to operate again, Gov. Charlie Baker stressed that this doesn't mean things can go back to the way they were prior to the pandemic. He said the "physical closeness associated with work" will have to change until a vaccine is developed. All essential businesses, along with those opening Monday, must be in compliance with workplace safety standards and rigorous social distancing protocol.

Here's a look at what's reopening in Massachusetts Monday and details about how they must operate to lessen the spread of COVID-19:

Beaches and Parks

Beaches, zoos and parks can open to the public Monday with strict social distancing rules. Those rules for beaches include:

• Gatherings must be limited to 10 people or fewer.
• Masks must be worn at all times, except for when swimming.
• Beach goers must maintain at least 6 feet of social distance from others and 12 feet from other towels or blankets.
• Organized games should be avoided including but not limited to volleyball, Kanjam, football and soccer.

Walking, hiking, biking, running and things like yoga and tai chi are allowed in parks and on public paths. According to the guidelines, users should move aside and leave room for others to pass, and cyclists and runners should alert other users when approaching and wait for others to step aside before passing.

Athletic fields and athletic courts can reopen, but only for non-contact sports that don't use shared equipment. Pickup games, organized games or tournaments still won't be allowed. If using courts, users are expected to sanitize their hands before and after use. And anyone waiting to use the courts should stay off the court until the people using it have cleaned up and left, to avoid contamination.

Pet Grooming, Car Washes, Barber Shops and Hair Salons

Personal service industries including pet groomers, barber shops, hair salons and car washes can reopen. Nail salons and day spas will not be allowed to reopen until phase two, which can begin on June 8 at the earliest.

In hair care, workers will be required to wear gloves; gowns or smocks; and glasses or goggles. Both workers and customers will be required to wear face coverings, with medical exceptions, and businesses are expected to arrange chairs to ensure 6 feet physical distancing. The rules also require frequent cleaning and changing of gowns, gloves and other equipment.

Services are limited to hair only — businesses will not be permitted to groom eyebrows, beards, lips or nails.

Customers will not be allowed to enter pet grooming businesses; pets must be dropped off curbside.

Only exterior washes will be permitted for car wash businesses.

Retail Store, Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries

Nonessential retail store and recreational marijuana shops can open for curbside sales. Online and phone orders are allowed with contact-free payments. Those paying in cash should have exact change to limit exposure.

Patrons and employees will have to wear masks, and will have to keep 6 feet of distance at all times. Retailers will also have to create workplace health and safety plans to prevent coronavirus.

Offices

Office outside of Boston can reopen, but must limit capacity to 25 percent or less. Boston offices can reopen June 1.