Gov. Charlie Baker is ordering all “non-essential” businesses to close their facilities to workers and the public as of noon Tuesday and is issuing a stay-at-home advisory.
Both orders will remain in effect until Tuesday, April 7 at noon, Baker told reporters during an update at the State House Monday.
Businesses that are considered essential will be exempt from the order, including grocery stores, liquor stores, pharmacies, medical facilities and gas stations, Baker said. A list of identified essential businesses is available here .
“Everyone should know, we will always allow all grocery stores, pharmacies and other types of businesses that provide essential goods and services to Massachusetts residents to continue to operate,” Baker assured. “We will not stop anyone from accessing these essential businesses.”
Baker stopped short of ordering a broad state-wide stay at home order, but is directing the Department of Public Health to issue a stay-at-home advisory outlining isolation and social distancing protocols. The governor said he doesn’t believe he should order people to be confined to their homes.
“Everyone can still buy food at the grocery store, pick up prescriptions or go for a walk in the park,” he said, “We urge people to stay at home and avoid unnecessary contact.”
People over 90 and those with essential medical conditions should avoid as much personal contact as possible, Baker said.
Baker, sensing a loss of purpose amid these “aggressive” social distancing measures, said we all have a role in combating this disease to protect everyone by limiting social contact and staying at home.
“We must all embrace this new way of life and appreciate that here we can all find purpose as we battle this virus together,” Baker said.
Asked when the state might reassess that April 7 end date, Baker said, “We are constantly reconsidering virtually everything we do,” and consulting with various experts, state and local officials and responding to “the facts on the ground. ”
Part of the reason behind setting end dates is to give people an answer on how long these measures are “absolutely, positively guaranteed to last,” Baker said. The approach also allows the state the ability to extend it beyond the listed time frame.
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