Four-Phase Approach to Reopening

On May 11, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a four-phase approach to reopening the Massachusetts economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and published Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards that will apply across all sectors and industries once reopening begins. The goal of the phased reopening, based on public health guidance, is to methodically allow certain businesses, services, and activities to resume, while protecting public health and limiting a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases. 

1. Phase 1 will be “Start:” limited industries resume operations with severe restrictions. 
2. Phase 2 will be “Cautious:” additional industries resume operations with restrictions and capacity limits. 
3. Phase 3 will be “Vigilant:” additional industries resume operations with guidance. 
4. Phase 4 will be the “New Normal:” development of vaccine and/or therapy enables resumption of new normal.

The entire Reopening Massachusetts plan can be found here.

The most up-to-date list of guidance for industries on the reopening plan can be found here.

Businesses and activities that provided “COVID-19 Essential Services,” per Governor Baker’s March 23rd order, will continue to operate. Certain businesses and activities with a lower risk of COVID-19 transmission will open in earlier phases. Decisions and timing will be influenced by public health metrics for when the first phase of reopening begins, as well as when it is safe to move into concurrent phases.

All workplaces are required to perform the following, even if they were previously open on the Essential Services List:

1. Fill out a COVID Safety Plan. Keep at the workplace https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-reopening-control-plan-template/download

2. Fill out a self-certification and post at the workplace https://www.mass.gov/doc/compliance-attestation/download

3. Train employees on Covid prevention. Training must be effective for employees to understand and implement the COVID safety measures put in place.

4. Post signage. https://www.mass.gov/doc/employer-reopening-poster/download and https://www.mass.gov/doc/employee-reopening-poster/download

There are additional Sector Specific Workplace Standards for some businesses

Certain sectors must also comply with Sector Specific COVID Safety Standards, available at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts.

The Department of Public Health (DPH) and the COVID-19 Command Center, in consultation with the Reopening Advisory Board and based on feedback from industry, labor, and community coalitions, has developed Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission as employees and customers begin to return to workplaces during the first phase of reopening. These Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards are applicable to all sectors and industries that will be open in phase one, and create new workplace requirements for social distancing, hygiene, staffing and operations, and cleaning. These standards are being released to give workplaces time to plan and prepare for reopening.

For social distancing:

1. All persons, including employees, customers, and vendors should remain at least six feet apart to the greatest extent possible, both inside and outside workplaces
2. Establish protocols to ensure that employees can practice adequate social distancing
3. Provide signage for safe social distancing
4. Require face coverings or masks for all employees

For hygiene:

1. Provide hand washing capabilities throughout the workplace
2. Ensure frequent hand washing by employees and adequate supplies to do so
3. Provide regular sanitization of high touch areas, such as workstations, equipment, screens, doorknobs, restrooms throughout work site

For staffing and operations:

1. Provide training for employees regarding the social distancing and hygiene protocols
2. Employees who are displaying COVID19-like symptoms do not report to work
3. Establish a plan for employees getting ill from COVID-19 at work, and a return-to-work plan

For cleaning and disinfecting:

1. Establish and maintain cleaning protocols specific to the business
2. When an active employee is diagnosed with COVID-19, cleaning and disinfecting must be performed
3. Disinfection of all common surfaces must take place at intervals appropriate to said workplace 

In addition to these Mandatory Standards which apply to all workplaces, the Reopening Advisory Board is developing Sector Specific Safety Protocols and Best Practices that will detail how particular industries should operate upon reopening.

The following businesses were eligible to reopen in Step One of Phase II, with contingencies, starting June 8th:

• Retail, with occupancy limits;
• Childcare facilities and day camps, with detailed guidance;
• Restaurants, outdoor table service only;
• Hotels and other lodgings, no events, functions or meetings;
• Warehouses and distribution centers;
• Personal services without close physical contact, such as home cleaning, photography, window washing, career coaching, and education tutoring;
• Post-secondary, higher education, vocational-tech, and occupation schools for the purpose of completing graduation requirements;
• Youth and adult amateur sports, with detailed guidance;
• Outdoor recreation facilities
• Professional sports practices, no games or public admissions;
• Non-athletic youth instructional classes in arts, education, or life skills and in groups of less than 10;
• Driving and flight schools
• Outdoor historical spaces, no functions, gatherings or guided tours;
• Funeral homes, with occupancy limits

The following businesses were eligible to reopen in Step Two of Phase II starting June 22nd:

• Indoor table service at restaurants
• Close-contact personal services, with restrictions, including:
  • Hair removal and replacement
  • Nail care
  • Skin care
  • Massage therapy
  • Makeup salons and makeup application services
  • Tanning salons
  • Tattoo, piercing and body art services
  • Personal training, with restrictions

Full list and safety protocols available at www.mass.gov/reopening.

The Baker-Polito Administration also released other sector specific guidance:

• Close Contact Personal Services
• Sectors Not Otherwise Addressed

Health care providers may also incrementally resume in-person elective, non-urgent procedures and services, including routine office visits, dental visits and vision care subject to compliance with public health and safety standards. All other in-person medical, behavioral health, dental and vision services may also resume on June 8th, except for elective cosmetic procedures and in-person day programs, which will be included in Phase III. Telehealth must continue to be utilized and prioritized to the greatest extent possible, whenever feasible and appropriate.

Limited reopening of visitation will also begin, and all visitation is subject to infection control protocol, social distancing and face coverings. Given the diversity of facilities and programs, there are specific timetables for visitation, and congregate care programs will be reaching out to families with specific details on scheduling visits.

Read the full guidance here.

Click here for Governor Baker’s Phase II Executive Order.

Click here for Governor Baker’s Revised Gatherings Executive Order.

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”.

There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization (WHO) best practice for naming of new human infectious diseases.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Through Bouy Health, you can learn what you must do to protect yourself from this fast-spreading virus. Also, most common symptoms, best ways to treat, and more.  

The CDC has the Coronavirus Self-Checker is to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. This system is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease or other conditions, including COVID-19. This system is intended only for people who are currently located in the United States. 

Up-to-date information:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Prevent Getting Sick

Symptoms & Testing 

Are You at Higher Risk for Severe Illness? 

If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone

Frequently Asked Questions 

CDC Steps to Prevent Illness

CDC Guidance for People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19

Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities

Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

World Health Organization Covid-19 Myth-busters

Effective Wednesday, May 6, 2020, any person over age two who is in a place open to the public in the Commonwealth, whether indoor or outdoor, and is unable to or does not maintain a distance of approximately six feet from every other person shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face covering, except where a person is unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition or the person is otherwise exempted by Department of Public Health guidance. The entire order can be found here. 

We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. If you are an unknowing carrier of the virus, wearing a cloth face covering will help stop the transmission of virus from you to others. If we all wear cloth face coverings, the chance of spread will be greatly reduced.

There are other benefits to wearing face coverings. A cloth face covering acts as a reminder to you, the wearer, to not touch your face directly without washing your hands thoroughly. It is also a reminder to people who see you wearing the face cover that it is essential we all keep our distance of at least 6 feet from each other during this pandemic.

Please know that wearing a cloth face covering is an additional tool we have to slow the spread of the virus. This does not replace the messages you have heard over and over again:

• Wash and/or sanitize your hands often
• Don’t touch your face
• Practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

There are many ways to make a proper cloth face covering:

The Surgeon General offers simple instructions for a quick at home face covering.

The CDC has several sew and no sew instructions on their web page.

For more detailed information, check out the CDC website:

How to Protect Yourself & Others

Recommendations for Cloth Face Covers

How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering

Mask wearing is new to most all of us and can generate some important questions. Masks must be worn properly to be effective. Forbes has some great questions and answers to help us navigate through this new tool to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

What’s the most important thing to do when wearing masks?

There are actually three things. First, wash or sanitize your hands, clean your face with a warm damp face cloth, and allow your face to dry before applying your mask. Second, avoid touching your face. Third, always wash or sanitize your hands before and after applying and removing your mask. When you remove your mask, take it off only from the ear straps, as seen in this video from the WHO.

How do I manage using my cell phone while wearing my mask?

A 2018 survey shows people use their phones up to 52 times per day and that phones are 10 times dirtier than a public toilet—you don’t want to put the phone up against your mask. It will take a lot of effort to avoid reaching for your cell phone when it rings, so when you are out in public, such as visiting a grocery store, consider silencing your phone completely to avoid grabbing for it if it rings. You won’t be able to speak on it right away if your face is covered by the mask because it will sound muffled.

Be careful how you interact with your mask and your phone. Putting a contaminated phone up to your mask contaminates the mask. Pulling your mask down beneath your chin potentially contaminates your mask. Gently wiping down your phone with a 70% isopropyl alcohol or a disinfectant wipe is enough to remove the virus. Be careful not to set your phone down on surfaces and then apply it directly to your face.

Should I be wearing a mask everywhere, including my home?

While the CDC recommends wearing a mask while out in public, for your safety, DO NOT wear the mask while driving if it inhibits your sight. The CDC has not made recommendations about wearing masks at home if no one has symptoms of COVID-19. If someone has cold symptoms in your home, they should wear masks in combination with social distancing, hand hygiene, and cough and sneeze etiquette.

You do not need to sleep in your mask. Your mask should be removed by the ear straps only, never by the front of the mask. The CDC has not specified whether it’s necessary to wear masks while taking walks or in public parks where there are few people or you are much more than six feet away.

If I need to take my mask off in public, where do I put it until I can put it back on? What if I need to eat or drink something while wearing a mask? 

There is limited research in this area, but think of your mask as a part of your face: Wash your hands before touching the mask and gently remove it only by the ear straps. For storing it, have a designated brown paper bag with you that you can place it in when not using it so you don’t set it down. If you are in public daily and will be wearing the mask for hours, change your brown paper bag daily.

When you use the bag, label one side “outside” for the outer side of the mask (the side that faces the public), and label the other “inside” for the inner part of the mask (the side near your mouth). Always put the mask in the bag with the inside part corresponding to the side marked “inside” so that you don’t contaminate it with what is on the outer-facing part of the mask.

My mask is getting wet from condensation from my breath. Do I need to change it out?

In healthcare, using disposable masks helps with this problem, but if you are using a cloth mask and find that this happens often, determine if the cloth you have is breathable or too thick. The CDC suggests using a T-shirt, likely cotton, for DIY masks. However, this NBC story notes a study finding other fabrics may work better—this is an example of an area where more research is essential.

Sweat absorbable or moisture-wicking fabrics similar to Dryfit have not been tested, but they may help absorb moisture from breathing. Avoid waterproof materials. If fluid can’t travel through them then it may be challenging to breathe through them. A study that looked at the effectiveness of cloth masks notes the moisture inside of the masks as an issue and risk for germ transmission.

How often do I wash my mask? Do I need more than one? 

These questions deserve further scientific investigation and direction by the CDC, but until we have that guidance, these are my recommendations based on my experience and expertise. Ideally, masks should be changed after every wear, but this may not be possible for most people. Assuming no one in your home is sick, it depends on how many times you leave your home each day and each week how often you change it.

Try to have two masks for when the other is being laundered. How often you change it also depends on how long you’re wearing it and where you go in public. Everyone should be practicing social distancing, but in places like grocery stores, you might engage with people in closer proximity.

To avoid potential contamination from the mask, I suggest laundering it when you get home, especially if you don’t know the next time you’ll need it. This prevents you from having a potentially contaminated mask lingering around your home.

What detergents should I use to wash my mask? 

This question also deserves CDC research and guidance, but until then, we can only rely on limited evidence from studies about irritation from contact dermatitis. Many detergents can cause rashes, and most detergents have fragrance and enzyme ingredients that can cause pore-clogging or breakouts, so the best option is to use detergents free of fragrance and enzymes.

If you launder your masks with the rest of your laundry, rinse it for extra time in plain water to ensure fragrances are removed. You can also spray it with a 5% bleach solution and let it dry, but test this first to be sure it doesn’t irritate your skin. Treat your mask as if it is your face with the same sensitivity as your skin.

Are there any chemicals, such as fabric softener or bleach, I shouldn’t use in sterilizing or washing my mask?

Again, treat your mask as if it has the same sensitivity as your skin since it will be up against your skin for long periods. It’s best to avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and any ingredients that might cause an allergic reaction, rashes or other symptoms, including fragrances that can cause headaches with long exposure. In addition, do not spray down masks with products such as Lysols and other disinfectants since their labels state that they may irritate the skin.

Should I dry my mask in the dryer or air-dry it?

You can dry your mask in the dryer, but avoid using dryer sheets. For air drying it, hang it on a coat hanger, clothing line, or laundry drying rack.

What does it mean to “fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face” against my face? 

You should not see redness or deep lines in your face as a result of wearing your mask. Some people bruise more easily than others, but if you see an imprint in your skin, you should loosen your mask. There should be a full cupping around the nose and chin area with minimal space or opening on the side. If the mask makes it hard to breathe because it is pushing against your nose, loosen your mask. Skin breakdown and pressure sores can occur if the straps or mask is too tight. Furthermore materials such as rubber bands create tension.

Will the mask catch all the droplets when I cough and sneeze?

No—you should still be coughing and sneezing into your elbow. Because the fabric has to be porous for you to breathe, droplets can still travel through. The mask helps decrease the amount of droplets that would travel from your mouth or nose if your face were uncovered. It may also help reduce droplets that would travel from others to your face, though the existing evidence for preventing infection this way is weak unless someone is directly coughing into your face.

Who should not wear a mask?

The CDC currently recommends against masks for children under 2 and “anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.”

What should I do if someone sneezes or coughs on the outside of my mask?

Immediately turn away from the person and remove the mask by the straps. If you are in public, discard the mask immediately to avoid transmitting potential germs on the outside of the mask to yourself or others. Throw it away if it’s disposable or you can make another. If it’s a cloth mask you need to keep, place it in your paper bag. Wash your hands immediately after removal. Remember to continue social distancing while wearing your mask.

Social Distancing

As we navigate through this new “normal”, we cannot reiterate how important social distancing is to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Social distancing is the act of limiting human contact and increasing the physical space (approximately 6 feet) between people to help slow the spread of disease.

Social distancing includes the following:

• Stay 6 feet away from people
• Cancel mass gatherings
• Work from home
• Stay home as much as possible

Why is this so important?

COVID-19 seems to be transmitted by close contact, inhalation of droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face, mouth or nose. Even people who don’t feel sick and have no symptoms can be infected and spread the virus. Distance will help minimize the chance of spreading the virus to others. Please remember that we all have a role in lowering the curve of the number of positive cases moving forward. We are all in this together.

Currently, Governor Baker has several orders in place requiring social distancing. Gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people, elementary and secondary schools are closed and all non-essential businesses must cease in person operations. These actions will help, but we ALL must do our part by following the orders and practicing social distancing to the best of our ability:

• Go outside to exercise but stay 6 feet away from others not in your household.
• DO NOT gather outside in large groups. It has been observed around town that large groups of adolescents are congregating. Adolescents are also at risk of contracting COVID-19. Even with mild or no symptoms, people can pass the disease to others. Restricting access to school buildings will have little impact on public health if these best practices are not followed in good faith.
• Visit with friends virtually using online apps.
• Check out electronic resources available at the Mansfield library 
• Get take out from a local restaurant. To be extra safe, when you get home with your food, take it out of the containers, throw those out, and then wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
• Museums are offering free online tours
• Musicians are livestreaming shows

Do you have other ideas? Please email them to Health@mansfieldma.com to share.

PLEASE we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to follow these social distancing recommendations. Even people who don’t feel sick and have no symptoms can be infected and spread the virus.

Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

The CDC includes information on the science behind hand washing.

The Baker-Polito Administration launched a revamped testing website, “Get Tested MA,” as a more convenient resource for the public to find information on testing in one place. The website, available at Mass.gov/gettested, has information on who should get a test, what to do if an individual receives a positive test, and details on the different types of tests available.

It also connects with the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 test site locator, where individuals in need of a test can search for a test site convenient for them. The map allows for filtering among the more than 250 test sites by features including hours, testing for kids, and drive through options. Before seeking testing at a site, individuals should check the details of each site and call ahead if an appointment is necessary.

Coronavirus: Managing Anxiety and Stress

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.  The CDC website has resources on how to manage anxiety and stress. 

Combating isolation and loneliness. During this time of social distancing, consider creative ways to fight isolation and loneliness which can worsen some mental health symptoms. Some tips include:

• Find a pen pal! Write a letter to a friend or family member. Writing has been shown to help people feel less sad or upset. Don’t forget to wash your hands after you get back from dropping the letter in the mailbox!
• Schedule a virtual “hangout” with friends or loved ones using an online video system such as FaceTime or Google Hangout.
• Call a neighbor or friend to check-in on how they are doing.
• If you are healthy, offer to run an errand for an elderly or infirm neighbor. Helping others can help us feel connected and gives us a sense of purpose during this difficult time. Be mindful to wash your hands before and after the errand and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between you and the person you are helping. Even seemingly healthy people can transmit illnesses.
• Go for a walk and simply wave or greet others from a safe distance.
• Social media can help us maintain connections to others, especially family and friends who live far away. Too much exposure, however, can make anxiety or depression worse. Be mindful of how much time on social media helps you feel connected and less alone versus overwhelmed.

Take care of your emotional health and help others do the same. If you need emotional support during these stressful times:

• Call 2-1-1 and choose the “CALL2TALK” option.
• The Massachusetts Network of Care is a searchable behavioral health directory of services and organizations.
• Samaritans is continuing operations 24/7, as always. During this unprecedented time, it can feel overwhelming to receive constant messages about COVID-19. Call or text their 24/7 helpline any time at 877-870-4673.
• The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including disease outbreaks like COVID-19. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories.

The COVID-19 Task Force continues to work together to support and enforce all Orders issued by Governor Baker. As of March 23, 2020, municipal business will be occurring remotely where possible. For more information, please see the TOWN BUSINESS DURING COVID-19 tab.

For a full list of Governor Baker’s press releases related to COVID-19, please click here.

May 18

The Baker-Polito Administration announces phased approach to reopen Massachusetts. 

Safer-At-Home Advisory Issued:

Phase 1

• People over the age of 65 and people who have underlying health conditions – who are at high risk for COVID-19 – should continue to stay home except for essential errands such as going to the grocery store and to attend to healthcare needs
• All residents are advised to leave home only for healthcare, worship and permitted work, shopping, and outdoor activities
• When going to the pharmacy ask if you can fill your prescriptions for 90 days if possible; for some medications this is not allowed. If you are at high-risk, try to use a mail-order service
• Don’t participate in close contact activities such as pick-up sports games
• All residents are REQUIRED to cover their face when they cannot maintain six feet of social distance in public
• Parents should limit play dates for children
• Refrain from visiting nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, or other residential care settings
• All residents are advised to wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soapy water
• All residents are advised to be vigilant, monitor for symptoms and stay home if you feel sick
• Use remote modes of communication like phone or video chat instead of visiting friends or family who are high risk for COVID-19

If you or a family/household member does not feel safe at home, please call 1-800-799-7233 for live support.  If you are unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org to chat online, or text LOVEIS to 22522.

If you or a family/household member have another concern or need regarding this stay-at-home advisory, please call 2-1-1.

You can sign up to get the most up-to-date information sent to your phone by texting COVIDMA to 888-777.

May 1

Order Requiring Face Covering in Public Places Where Social Distancing is Not Possible

Any person who is in a place open to the public in the Commonwealth, when unable to maintain a distance of approximately six feet from every other person, shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face covering. This order applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Exceptions include children under the age of 2 and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition.

• Face coverings are required at all times when:
• Inside or waiting in line outside of grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail stores;
• Providing or using the services of any taxi, car, livery, ride-sharing, or similar service;
• On any form of public transit, including train or bus; and
• In an enclosed or semi-enclosed transit stop or waiting area.

The use of a face covering does not replace important social distancing measures. All individuals must continue to maintain more than 6 feet of distance from other people; wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; and stay home when sick.

Children under the age of 2 years should not wear face coverings or masks. For children 2 years of age and older, a mask or face covering should be used, if possible. Mask use by children 2 years of age and up to the age of five is encouraged but should be at the discretion of the child’s parent or guardian. Parents and guardians should ensure that the mask fits snugly and does not obstruct a child’s ability to breathe.

The fit of face coverings should be as follows:

• Fit securely and comfortably against the side of the face;
• Be secured with ties or ear loops;
• Allow for breathing without restriction; and
• Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change of shape.

Exceptions for wearing face coverings include situations that may inhibit an individual from wearing a face-mask safely. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Those who cannot breathe safely;
• Those who, due to a behavioral health diagnosis, are unable to do so;
• Those communicating with people who rely upon lip-reading;
• Those who require supplemental oxygen to breathe; and
• Those who are exercising outdoors and are able to keep physical distance from others.

Masks and face coverings should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. When possible, masks should be washed in a washing machine. If a washing machine is unavailable, masks should be washed with soap and water and allow drying fully before using again.

Per COVID-19 order No. 31, violations of the masking order shall be punished in the following manner:

• The first offense shall result in a warning.
• The second or subsequent offense may result in a civil citation and a fine of up to $300.

For information on how to make your own masks please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/DIY-cloth-face-covering-instructions.pdf

March 31

Baker-Polito Administration Extends Non-Essential Business Closures and Executive Branch

March 25

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Extension of School and Non-Emergency Child Care Program Closures and Steps to Ensure Housing Stability To Support COVID-19 Response. All schools, child care programs will remain closed through May 4

March 23

Governor Charlie Baker Orders All Non-Essential Businesses To Cease In Person Operation, Directs the Department of Public Health to Issue Stay at Home Advisory For Two Weeks

March 17

Baker-Polito Administration Issues New Guidance for Executive Branch Employees

March 15

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Actions to Address COVID-19

March 10

No. 591: Declaration of a State of Emergency to Respond to COVID-19