On May 18, the Baker-Polito administration issued specific guidance so that each industry reopens as safely as possible. Businesses are expected to implement these protocols in addition to the more general Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards.

As of May 18, materials for the sectors eligible to open in the first phase of reopening are included on the mass.gov/reopening website. Guidance for sectors opening in later phases will be posted online in advance of those phases.

Mass.gov Reopening

Statewide Facemask Order

Governor Baker issued a statewide facemask order effective May 6, and extended it to public transportation. Residents should continue to follow the Governor's Order, the City Orders and continue practicing social distancing and wear masks or face coverings.

• Any person over the age of two must wear a face mask or cloth face covering, in a place open to the public in the Commonwealth, whether indoors or outdoors, and is unable to, or does not maintain a distance of approximately six feet from every other person.
• Except a person who is unable to wear a face mask or cloth face covering due to a medical condition or otherwise exempted by DPH Guidance.
• DPH will issue further guidance on the use of masks for children between two years and five years of age.
• Order applies to all workers and all customers of all businesses and organizations that are open to the public that are permitted to operate as COVID-19 Essential Businesses.
• All persons are required to wear masks or cloth face coverings at all times inside:
  • Grocery stores
  • Pharmacies
  • Other retail stores
  • When providing or using the services of a taxi, car, livery, ride-sharing or similar service.
  • When using any means of mass transit, or in an enclosed or semi-enclosed transit stop or waiting area.
• If a customer refuses to wear a mask of cloth face covering for non-medical reasons, a business may decline entry to that individual.
• The DPH and local boards of health and authorized agents under MGL c. 111, s. 30 are authorized to enforce the Order, and if necessary may do so with the assistance of local and state police.
• Violation of the Order or DPH Guidance may result in a civil fine of up to $300 per violation, in the manner provided for non-criminal disposition of violations of municipal by-law, ordinance, rule or regulation pursuant to MGL c. 40, s. 21D.
• View Full Order

House Legislation

To provide administrative relief to state and local government entities impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, including modifying local permitting processes, enabling municipalities to extend tax and finance deadlines, and extending deadlines for certain education requirements, the Baker-Polito Administration filed An Act to Further Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities and School Districts Resulting from COVID-19.

City Hall (455 Main Street)

• Appointment Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (9 - 10 a.m. restricted to senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems/vulnerabilities).
• All forms of payment accepted for Treasury services; cash & check accepted for vital records.
• One way entrance and egress.
• Entrance: Bell Lobby door at the back of City Hall only.
• Exit: Main Street door only.
• Two self-service kiosks will be available on the first floor for online transactions.

Municipal Service Center (801 Main Street)

• Appointment Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (11 a.m. - 12 p.m. restricted to senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems/vulnerabilities).
• Check and electronic payment only - no cash.
• Residents may also order/pay online and pick-up in person.

Inspectional Services & WFD (25 Meade Street)

• Appointment Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (9 - 10 a.m. restricted to senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems/vulnerabilities).

DPW/Customer Service (76 East Worcester Street) & Parks (50 Skyline Drive)

• Appointment Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (9 - 10 a.m. restricted to senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems/vulnerabilities).

Hope Cemetry (119 Webster Street)

• Appointment Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. (8 - 9 a.m. restricted to senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems/vulnerabilities).