stores reopening

Although non-essential businesses are still ordered closed until May 18th, the government is easing up on some retail restrictions.

While non-essential businesses are still mandated to be closed until May 18, Governor Baker’s administration is making an exemption for some businesses to remotely fulfill online or phone orders. Stores like flower shops, car dealerships and book stores can now operate under these guidelines.

However, to do so, businesses must follow special guidelines, which include that each retail store must only have three to seven number of employees working at a time packaging and engaged. Additionally, the stores must remain closed to the public. Face coverings and social distance guidelines still remain in effect for these stores.

In addition to flower shops and car dealerships, the guidelines now permits book shops, jewelers, sporting goods stores, video game stores, and other retailers to open. However, each store can only back between three and seven employees depending on the size of their facility, as long as they adhere to certain social distancing and sanitation rules.

According to Boston.com, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, who co-chairs the advisory board, said that the reopening will come in phases. She emphasized that it is more important to ensure safe business activity and without inciting a second wave of coronavirus cases.