By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Boston, MA) -Reopening the Massachusetts economy will be apparently be a gradual process.
That was the message from Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, who said Monday that the economy will reopen in phases, but only when the data indicates a downward trend in the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think everyone is anxious to find a way safely and appropriately move forward when we can get there and when the data indicates that it is appropriate to do so,” said Baker during his May 4th press briefing.
Baker said the ongoing “Contact Tracing Program” will continue through the reopening of the economy, which will ensure that COVID-19 positive individuals can be properly isolated. And though he’s encouraged by ongoing efforts to develop a COVID vaccine, Baker said the threat of the virus and transmission of same will be with us “for a while.”
Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito is asking business owners to notify the governor’s new Advisory Board regarding their readiness to reopen, and what roadblocks may exist. Polito said the goal is to ensure proper safety as the economy reopens.
“There is an amazing amount of engagement,” said Polito. The board is reviewing reports from 100,000 businesses across the Commonwealth regarding the reopening process, a plan for which will be released on May 18, which is when the closure order is slated to expire.