Beaches, barbers, hair salons reopen in Massachusetts while two state beaches in Rhode Island open on Memorial Day, all with restrictions.
Here’s a look at the developments in New England related to the coronavirus outbreak.
MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts beaches opened on Memorial Day, but with restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Beachgoers must keep at least 6 feet apart while walking and set up chairs and towels 12 feet away from others. Groups of more than 10 and organized games are not permitted.
“On some of our bigger beaches, we’ve actually made one-way traffic to and from the beach. On places where the trails are narrower, we’ve actually divided it into an entry and exit side,” Brewster natural resources director Chris Miller said.
Hair salons and barber shops were also allowed to reopen Monday with restrictions.
U.S. & World
RHODE ISLAND
Two state beaches are opening in Rhode Island on Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer season.
Gov. Gina Raimondo announced last week that East Matunuck Beach in South Kingstown and Scarborough Beach in Narragansett would be the only two state-run beaches to open Monday but stressed that there would be limited parking and no lifeguards, concessions or other facilities.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The New Hampshire Department of Education is asking for input from parents, teachers and education leaders on the reopening of schools in the fall.
The School Transition Reopening and Redesign Task Force, or START, is looking into what school will look like in September once classes resume and is doing survey.
“We believe that parents have an important voice in what school will look like for their children when they return in September,” state Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut said. “So, this is an opportunity to make sure that voice is heard and is part of the broader conversation about how our schools will support our students as best they can in September.”
MAINE
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is reminding Mainers to stay safe on Memorial Day and follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines on coronavirus safety precautions.
In a Facebook post, wardens urged Mainers to practice social distancing if they take part in a gathering.
The department also reminded the public to be prepared for ticks and to wear a life jacket when on or near the water, News Center Maine reports.
VERMONT
Marinas in Vermont are allowed to open as part of state’s gradual reopening amid the coronavirus so that boaters can get out onto Lake Champlain and other waterway.
Mark Saba, owner of Bay Harbor Marina in Mallets Bay, told mynbc5 that normally the marina would have been open the third week of April. He estimated that the marina put 50 boats in the water Thursday, compared to what would have been around 20 in other years.
CONNECTICUT
Coronavirus-related hospitalizations in Connecticut are continuing to decline as cases approach 40,500.
There were 701 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Sunday, which is a decrease of 23 from the day before.
In Connecticut, there are now 40,468 cases of coronavirus, an increase of 446 cases.
