BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker’s plan to free Massachusetts’ economy from coronavirus restrictions won cautious approval on Monday from area builders, manufacturers and business group representatives.
Baker gave builders, and manufacturers the green light to open Monday and outlined how worship places can reopen and hospitals can expand their services to a pre-coronavirus tempo.
He warned the state will monitor this first of four reopening steps and reevaluate the economy’s restart against coronavirus caseload, testing and death rate statistics.
“COVID-19 has and will continue to take a toll on Massachusetts. If we don’t do the things we have to do, we run the risk of a second spike in the fall,” he said.
Baker has been under pressure to ease restrictions imposed in March. But he is relying on a report prepared by a state study group to power up the economy in a four-phase transition.
Meninno Construction owner Nick Meninno expects Baker’s order to let work restart on a Revere hotel project. Lynn-based Meninno is a project subcontractor doing foundation, paving and landscaping work.
“It will be a little bit of a task to get everybody re-engaged, but a four-stage process is smart,” Meninno said.
Initial state reopening guidelines are available on mass.gov/reopening
“In order to reopen, businesses must develop a written COVID-19 Control Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said a statement from Baker’s office.
Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Julie Daigle said her members are tempering their excitement over official news that reopening has begun.
“We all realize we have to be cautious. There is a lot of new and changing information out there that we are trying to share. We have a long road ahead but agree we will all get through it if we work together,” Daigle said.
Deemed essential by the federal government because it supplies the military, Nevron Plastics and Metals in Saugus have remained open. President Thomas Jarosz said two of his 14 employees opted to stay out of work during the last several weeks and he implemented precautions to keep everyone on the job safe.
He hopes Baker’s reopening order outlines a path to the goal all employers and workers want to achieve.
“We have to get the economy running again,” he said.
DeIulis Brothers Construction Vice President Patrick DeIulis likes Baker’s reopening approach. In accordance with city guidelines issued to builders in April, Lynn-based DeIulis started work again on its St. Mary’s School and Boys & Girls Club of Lynn projects two weeks ago.
“I am happy our governor is taking this slowly and taking the advice of health professionals. Our objective is to keep our jobs going and stay safe,” he said.
Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito placed the right emphasis on educating businesses about reopening rather than threatening enforcement, said Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Colin Codner.
“They were forthright and passionate about that,” Codner said, adding that business owners he spoke with prior to Monday worried about the state unveiling a “one-and-done punitive policy.”
“It’s a much-needed step forward and a very good plan,” Codner said.
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In a statement, the Archdiocese of Boston said Baker’s decision to allow parishes to begin reopening was “welcome news,” which would be carried out “with caution” during the first phase of the statewide plan.
“The Archdiocese has consistently stated we will work collaboratively with local and state officials during this crisis and we will continue to comply with their guidance and mandates devised to restart community activity while continuing to fight the virus and keep people safe,” the statement said.
Shortly after Baker’s announcement on Monday, the office of the Archdiocese communicated strict guidelines that must be followed to parish leaders.
For example, no more than 40 percent of a church’s capacity may be in attendance for masses, social distancing must be followed for pews, and there must be restrictions in place for safe distribution of Communion.
Parishes can resume masses as early as Saturday if parish leaders can demonstrate they are able to meet all of the state, municipal and Archdiocesan guidelines, but many may need to wait until Sunday, May 31 to safely reopen, according to the statement.
Parishioners will continue to be exempt from their Sunday mass obligation “for the foreseeable future,” and the Archdiocese strongly encourages people in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, to continue to watch mass from their homes.
“The days ahead will continue to be challenging for us all,” the statement said. “We hope and pray that the steps undertaken by our public leaders and by the Church will be effective in preventing a new surge of the virus and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to keep people safe.”
Item reporter Gayla Cawley contributed to this report.
