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Wide Array Of Businesses Could Open In Massachusetts Under Phase Two

A sign in early April at Look Park in Florence, Massachusetts.
Sam Hudzik
/
NEPR
A sign in early April at Look Park in Florence, Massachusetts.

Phase Two of reopening the Massachusetts economy amid COVID-19 could start as soon as next week. In an executive order released this week by Governor Charlie Baker, many types of businesses could operate, with restrictions, and others would be allowed to expand operations.

Under Baker's order, restaurants could open with permission from local government, along with retailers, hotels and golf practice facilities. Some outdoor recreation spaces, such as pools and playgrounds, could also get the green light to open up.

Baker is expected to say by Saturday whether he'll allow the second phase of reopening to go forward.

Summer camps are also included in the latest order, but it's not a sure thing they will be able to reopen. 

The Hampshire Regional YMCA in Northampton has been working out plans to hold summer camp programs amidst the pandemic since March. The final say, however, rests with the city's board of health. 

"We have been having great conversations with our local board of health," said Julie Bianco, the Y's CEO. "Their priority and our priority is always the safety of our campers first."

Some agencies are still planning to go ahead with summer camp programs if given the okay, such as the Greater Springfield YMCA and the the city's parks and recreation department.

In Easthampton, the board of health didn't wait for the state's decision, and last month decided not to allow camps to take place for the rest of the year.

Also in Phase Two, funeral homes would be allowed to hold services, one at a time, up to 40% capacity. 

Paul Phaneuf owns three funeral homes in Springfield and Chicopee. He said right now, services have been limited to gatherings of 10. Phaneuf said safety remains his main priority.

"You know, we'll do whatever needs to be done," Phaneuf said. "We want to safeguard the public just as the public needs to safeguard us. We have employees and we don't want any of our employees being sick, or transmitting this to anybody."

The 40% capacity rule is consistent with restrictions on how many people can attend a church service in Massachusetts.

Adam joined NEPM as a freelance reporter and fill-in operations assistant during the summer of 2011. For more than 15 years, Adam has had a number stops throughout his broadcast career, including as a news reporter and anchor, sports host and play-by-play announcer as well as a producer and technician.
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