MASS.GOV Baker-Polito Announcements & Update Videos

Governor Baker continues to provide a number of announcements and orders via their website found here and videoMass.Gov logo image updates on the status of the Commonwealth and current advisories, regulations and announcements. Videos are found below as well as Please view and follow MassGovernor on YouTube for full access to officially provided information.

Mass.Gov Updates & Information

On February 5th, 2021 Baker-Polito Administration Launches Vaccine Public Awareness Campaign, New Call Center for Residents 75 and Older. Click here to learn more about the Trust the Facts, Get the Vax Campaign.

On January 21, 2021 the Baker-Polito Administration announced an extension of the existing, across the board 25% capacity limits for most businesses and current limitations on gatherings through 5:00 AM on Monday, February 8.

The Administration also announced that effective Monday, January 25 at 5:00 AM, it would rescind an existing Early Closing order requiring many businesses to close at 9:30 PM each evening, and that at the same time it would also withdraw its related Stay At Home advisory urging residents to remain at home between the hours of 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

On December 8, 2020 the Baker-Polito Administration announced that effective Sunday, December 13th, all communities in Massachusetts will return to Step 1 of Phase 3, of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. This will reduce indoor capacities across a broad range of sectors of the economy and tighten several other workplace restrictions.

Order Rolling Massachusetts back to Phase III, Step 1 

Revised Gathering Order

Effective August 1, 2020, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders. For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Four-Phase Approach to Reopening and Publishes Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards

Click here to learn more about the phased approach and standards that will apply to all workplaces.

On May 18 the Baker-Polito Administration announced a comprehensive plan to safely reopen the Massachusetts economy, get people back to work, and ease social restrictions while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-19.

Click Chart to View

Colored chart for Phased Reopening Guidance

Click Chart to View

Colored chart for Mass Re-Opening Guidance

Baker-Polito Administration Extends Non-Essential Business Closures and Stay at Home Order to May 18th, Announces Reopening Advisory Board
Read Full Press Release Here


May 1, 2020 The Baker-Polito Administration today issued an order requiring the use of masks or face coverings in public places where they cannot socially distance from others. 
View the full release here


The Massachusetts Division of Banks has joined a multi-state initiative to secure payment relief options for Massachusetts student loan borrowers and issued a Consumer Advisory with important information and resources for private student loan borrowers. https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-division-of-banks-joins-multi-state-initiative-to-provide-relief

Public School Closing: Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order extending the closure of all public and private schools through the end of the school year, and the closure of all non-emergency childcare programs until June 29, 2020 in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth: https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-extension-of-school-and-non-emergency-child-care-0

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: The Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts residents who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits can now apply online for the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-implementation-of-cares-act-unemployment-benefits-for

Homeowner & Tenant Protection: Governor Baker signed legislation into law to protect homeowners and tenants from eviction and foreclosure. Full bill can be found here: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4647 
On July 21st Governor Charlie Baker extended the pause on eviction and foreclosures for 60 days until October 17, 2020. https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-extends-moratorium-on-evictions-and-foreclosures-to-october-17

The Baker-Polito administration has expanded access to the free priority COVID-19 testing sites for first responders located at Gillette Stadium and the Big E fairgrounds to include grocery store workers

Click to view the full press release.


March 31, 2020: Mass.Gov Press Release: Baker-Polito Administration Extends Non-Essential Business Closures and Executive Branch Employee GuidanceMass.Gov logo image

o   All non-essential businesses closed through 5/18 and stay at home order extended through 5/18
o   Hotels/Motels and Short Term Rentals may only be used for efforts related to fighting COVID-19, like front line health workers or individuals, or for Massachusetts residents who have been otherwise displaced from their residences. These facilities are no longer able to be booked for vacation rentals.
View Full Press Release and Extended Order Guidelines Here


Mass.Gov OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:Mass.Gov logo image Opens in new window

Governor Charlie Baker Orders All Non-Essential Businesses To Cease In Person Operation, Directs the Department of Public Health to Issue Stay at Home Advisory For Two Weeks. Updates Assembly Order to Limit Gatherings to 10 people View FULL PRESS RELEASE ON MASS.GOV Here.

 

Essential vs Non-essential Businesses

Governor Baker has announced various orders and guidance which are all posted on www.mass.gov/covid19. On March 23, 2020 Governor Baker announced closure of non-essential businesses effective at 12:00 PM on Tuesday March 24, 2020. Please refer to the language of the order itself, the essential services list, and assemblage guidance and FAQ for restrictions and information. The Commonwealth does not issue letters or certificates for essential businesses. The essential services list also includes a link to a form for companies to be added to the list of types of essential services if they are not already on the list. Any questions can be directed to covid19.biz@mass.gov.
The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development has produced FAQs around essential/non-essential businesses which will be updated regularly.
The direct link to the FAQ is: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-essential-services-faqs