Guide to MA Reopening: Recreation, Beaches and Parks
Reopening Plan for MA - Boston and Beyond.jpg)
Here's a quick overview of Gov. Baker's four-phase plan to open up Massachusetts Businesses and Recreation, incuding Beaches, Parks, Drive-ins, Campgrounds and more.
Recreation and Outdoor Activities
Phase 1: Start
On Memorial Day, (May 25), parks, zoos, boating and some sports courts can reopen as part of the state's four-phase reopening plan and "safer at home" advisory as the Commonwealth works to keep the coronavirus at bay.
Beaches will be open, but the state encourages people to maintain at least 6-feet distance from each other, but at least 12-feet from the next group of people hanging out on the beach. Shuttle services to the beaches are not yet open.
Face coverings and masks are still mandatory when in public places where social distancing is not possible, and beaches are no exception.
Organized ball games are not allowed. The report says that the list of banned activities includes, but is not limited to: volleyball, Kan Jam, spikeball, football, soccer, Kadima, and bocce.
OPENING MAY 25:
• Beaches
• Parks
• Drive-in theaters
• Some athletic fields and courts
• Many outdoor adventure activities
• Most fishing, hunting, and boating
• Outdoor gardens, zoos, reserves and public installations
Phase 2 (DATE TBD) : Cautious
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.
Can open with guidelines:
• Campgrounds
• Playgrounds and spray decks
• Public and community pools
• All athletic fields and courts with guidelines
• Youth sports in limited fashion
photo credit: BostonCentral
Phase 3 (DATE TBD) : Vigilant
Can open with guidelines:
• Additional activities and services
• Youth sports with games and tournaments (limited crowd sizes)
Phase 4 (DATE TBD) : New Normal
• Full resumption of all outdoor recreation and activities
Travel
Phase 1: Start
• Safer at home advisory
• All travelers to MA urged to self-quarantine for 14 days
• Lodging restricted to essential workers only
Phase 2: Cautious
• Business and recreational travel discouraged
• All travelers to MA urged to self-quarantine for 14 days
• Lodging open with restrictions
Phase 3: Vigilant
• To be determined based on trends
Phase 4: New Normal
• Travel resumes, continue to observe social guidance
Health and Human Services
Phase 1: Start
OPENING MAY 18: Hospitals and community health centers
• Upon attestation can provide high priority preventative care, pediatric care and treatment for high risk patients and conditions
OPENING MAY 25: Additional health care providers
• Upon attestation can provide same limited services as above
Phases 2 and 3:
Expand ambulatory in-person routine care:
• Less urgent preventative services, procedures, and care (e.g., routine dental cleanings, certain elective procedures)
• Day programs (e.g., Adult Day Health, Day Habilitation, etc.)
Phase 4: New Normal:
• Full resumption of activity in the "new normal"
Worship
Phase 1-3:
OPENING MAY 18: Open with guidelines, outdoor services are encouraged
Phase 4: New Normal
Full resumption of activity in the "new normal"
Gatherings
Phase 1: Start
Gatherings of <10 people
Phases 2-4:
To be determined based on trends
High-Risk Populations
Phases 1-3:
High-risk should work from home if possible, priority consideration for workplace accommodations (these could be adjusted depending on pending epidemiological evidence).
Phase 4: New Normal
Resume public interactions with physical distancing
*Phase timeframes are not set in stone, (approx. 3 -4 weeks each), and will progress according to how things go with the previous phase.