New Hampshire's coastal beaches and other sectors of the economy will reopen June 1, Gov. Chris Sununu announced Friday afternoon.
Speaking at an afternoon news conference, the governor said state beaches will be able to open in a "measured, safe approach."
Granite Staters will be able to go to the beach for recreational activities like running, walking, swimming and surfing. Parking lots will be limited to 50% capacity and sitting, lounging, and sports will be prohibited.
Small beaches on lakes and ponds that are town-owned or in the state parks system are already open, but state officials are asking people to not sit on blankets.
Also beginning June 1, fitness centers like aerobics, yoga, gymnastics, dance, and martial arts may open to small-group classes only, Sununu said. Facilities must comply with social distancing guidelines of 8-10 feet between individuals, follow cleaning and disinfection protocols and keep capacity to 50%.
The governor said Friday's newly released guidance does not allow for general use of gym equipment, unless through a one-on-one personal training class.
More on the Coronavirus in New Hampshire
Small-group youth and amateur sports practices and training are able to resume immediately, Sununu said. Group size must be limited to 10 or less, no competitions are allowed, players must have their own equipment, training sessions must take place outdoors, and commonly touched surfaces must be disinfected after each event.
Other businesses that will be able to open June 1 "in a smart, phased approach" if they choose are acupuncturists, massage therapists, tattoo shops, tanning salons and nail salons. Each business must follow cleaning and disinfection guidance and all staff must wear cloth face coverings.
New modified guidance for child care facilities was released Friday after Sununu said state officials spoke with day care owners and parents over the last week.
Among the new guidance, facilities should reduce group size to no more than 10 children, keep the same groups of children and staff together and groups should not be comingled during mealtime.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced 5 additional deaths related to COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the state's total to 204. There were 81 new positive cases reported, for a total of 4,014.
The first case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) was also announced in a patient under 20 years old, according to state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan.
Although the case was unfortunate, Chan said it was not unexpected. The person from Hillsborough County remains hospitalized but is recovering.
