What Do You Think Of MA's Reopening Plan: Survey

BOSTON, MA — Gov. Charlie Baker introduced a rough outline of the four-phase plan to reopen Massachusetts this week. Phase one of the plan has been dubbed the "Start," and it's expected to take shape May 18 as long as health metrics continue trending in the right direction.

Last week, golf courses got the green light to reopen, while other retail businesses were able to have limited staff on site to fulfill phone and online orders. The industries that will be included in each phase of reopening is anyone's guess, as Baker's outline Monday was short on specifics and a timeline.

Phase 1: Start — Limited industries resume operations with severe restrictions.

Phase 2: Cautious — Additional industries resume operations with restrictions and capacity limits.

Phase 3: Vigilant — Additional industries resume operations with guidance.

Phase 4: The New Normal — Development of vaccine and/or therapy enables resumption of "new normal."

The model for reopening upstate New York, another state hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, could offer some insight into the plan to reopen Massachusetts. Many retailers will open Friday for curbside pickup and delivery, including clothing stores, electronic and appliance stores, jewelry stores, shoe stores, hobby stores, book stores and many more.

New York is also allowing certain manufacturing industries to begin opening. That includes apparel manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, furniture manufacturing, textile mills, wood product manufacturing and many more. Wholesale trade businesses will also be given the green light.

Whatever businesses get the go-ahead in Massachusetts, they will need to meet stringent workplace safety standards, which includes social distancing, cleaning and hygiene.

Massachusetts Patch has put together a reader survey about various aspects of reopening, and we'd like to hear your thoughts.

This article originally appeared on the Boston Patch