Restaurants given guidance for phase 2 green light to reopen

BOSTON — The heart and soul of Hanover Street are the dozens of restaurants that line it. All have closed to customers for indoor dining since March.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced Friday afternoon that restaurants, lodging and hotels would be part of phase 2 of the state’s plan to reopen, which could begin in mid June.

The guidelines will allow restaurants to open with outdoor seating with tables six feet apart. The maximum group size at restaurants will be six during this reopening process and bar seating will not be allowed.

Patrons will be able to remove face coverings while sitting at the restaurant, that’s why it’s important for patrons to limit their group sizes and be responsible about who they dine with.

Outdoor seating will be encouraged, if possible, and contactless payment will also be encouraged, Polito said.

Here is the state’s official guidance:

VIEW WORKPLACE SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR THE RESTAURANT AND LODGING INDUSTRIES

Learn more about the reopening process: www.mass.gov/reopening

Restaurant and Lodging Guidance: The Administration today issued workplace safety standards for restaurants and lodging. These workplace specific safety standards are organized around four distinct categories covering Social Distancing, Hygiene Protocols, Staffing and Operations and Cleaning and Disinfecting.

Restaurants: Outdoor dining will begin at the start of Phase II. Indoor dining will begin later within Phase II, subject to public health data. Even when indoor seating is permitted, use of outdoor space will be encouraged for all restaurants.

Social distancing guidance includes spacing tables six feet apart with a maximum party size of six people. The use of bars, except for spaced table seating, will not be permitted. For hygiene protocols, utensils and menus should be kept clean through single use or with strict sanitation guidelines, reservations or call ahead seating is recommended and contactless payment, mobile ordering or text on arrival for seating will also be encouraged.

Restaurants will be expected to follow cleaning and disinfecting guidelines, in accordance with CDC guidance. This includes closing an establishment temporarily if there is a case of COVID-19 in an establishment.

For full restaurant guidance, click here.

Lodging: Hotels, motels and other lodging businesses will be allowed to expand their operations in Phase II. Lodging safety standards apply to all forms of lodging including hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, short term residential rentals including Airbnb and VRBO.

Event spaces, like ballrooms and meeting rooms, will remain closed. On-site restaurants, pools, gyms, spas, golf courses and other amenities at lodging sites may operate only as these categories are authorized to operate in accordance with the phased re-opening plan. Lodging operators also must inform guests of the Commonwealth’s policy urging travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days when arriving from out-of-state.

For full lodging guidance, click here.

On May 18th, the Baker-Polito Administration released Reopening Massachusetts, the Reopening Advisory Board’s report, which details a four-phased strategy to responsibly reopen businesses and activities while continuing to fight COVID-19.

VIEW THE FULL REPORT

VIEW GUIDANCE FOR SPECIFIC INDUSTRIES

Restaurants, of course, were left out of phase one of the reopening process.

For the past 10 weeks, they have been limited to take out or delivery service only. Many restaurants along Boylston Street were hit particularly hard when the Boston Marathon was postponed and then, ultimately, canceled this year.

We have reported extensively on the challenges facing restaurants during this crisis and the frustration from owners, who are certain they can reopen safely.

Over the past few weeks, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has discussed a possible “street makeover,” which would include designated seating for outdoor dining.

Walsh hopes it would cut back on the spread of the virus and make customers feel safe.

The Boston Licensing Board approved an emergency measure that would allow any restaurant in the city to quickly and easily apply to add outdoor seating, which would normally be a lengthy process.

Based on this phased reopening plan, right now, the earliest phase two could begin would be the second week of June.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV