Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday revealed the state’s re-opening plan, which includes a rough timeline along which organizations in various sectors might re-open. Up first are places of worship (up to 40% occupancy), beginning May 18, and next up (May 25) are hair salons and barber shops, pet grooming shops, and car washes.
Retailers beyond restaurants will be able to start curbside pick-up on the 25th, too, if they adhere to a bunch of safety rules set by the state and town, and offices will be able to open at up to 25% capacity. Nail salons, summer camps, restaurants and other businesses will be addressed in later re-opening phases, which could roll out every few weeks. Gyms, museums and other businesses are in line to open in Phase 3, likely a few weeks later.
Organizations will largely be counted on to self-comply, and local authorities will be counted on to field questions and complaints. A fine system will run from $100 to $300, though Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito stressed that the focus will be on encouraging organizations to do the right thing rather than taking a punitive approach. Verbal consultations and written warnings will precede fines.
Wellesley businesses have already been working with the Board of Health to round up kits of masks, gloves and more that will be available to local businesses as they re-open.
More to come as Wellesley organizations reveal their plans. Linden Square barber shop Roosters was among the first we saw crowing on social media that it planned to take the Governor up on his offer to re-open. Ideal Barber Shop also has a sign on its door saying it plans to re-open May 26.
Wellesley Youth Baseball & Softball is also prepping for what it hopes will be a chance to get some action in over the next couple of months, as the state’s re-opening plan does allow for limited use of playing fields later this month and expanded use in June, with games and tournaments possible in late June/early July if COVID-19 data improves. The baseball & softball organization wants to hear from parents and players about what they’d like to see, so expect a survey to be released soon.
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