reopening

Three Republican governors opposed efforts this year to absolve businesses for violating public health orders during the coronavirus pandemic. But only in the “Live Free or Die” state have the scofflaws been set free of the fines. In March, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson vetoed legislation requiring the state to refund about $38,000 in fines imposed on businesses for violating coronavirus safety...

The coronavirus pandemic may shift the “center of gravity” in Massachusetts while high costs of living and doing business pose a risk of future job growth moving out-of-state, according to a new 82-page report released Tuesday. “Overall, the report concludes that the changing ways of working may shift what we think of as the center of gravity here in Massachusetts,…

It started with the toilet paper and hand sanitizer, then eventually hit some other unusual areas. Ketchup packet prices spiked 13% since 2020 due to increased demand and even sparked concerns that a chlorine shortage could make it harder and more costly to clean pools this summer. The pandemic has had a big impact on many areas of the economy….

To the relief of many, Rhode Island reopened public restrooms Wednesday at the Kennedy Plaza transit hub in Providence, which had been closed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority also recently reopened to the general public bathroom facilities at the Newport Transportation and Visitors Center and the Pawtucket Transit Center. “Reopening public restrooms…

Radio City Music Hall will host Tribeca’s closing night on June 19 before a full capacity, 100% vaccinated, mask-free audience.

The state of emergency that has been in place in Massachusetts since March 10, 2020 ended at midnight, and with it, a batch of pandemic-era policies expired.

Dr. Candace Croney, professor of animal behavior and well-being at Purdue University, shares the steps you should take to support your dog or cat as you spend less time at home.

As states reopen and society returns to “normal,” some therapists say they’re seeing a rise in anxiety disorders. Here are three tips to rein in those feelings of unease.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker lifted COVID-related restrictions ahead of the state’s reopening Saturday — and Boston businesses are ready for it.

Many Massachusetts parents and K-12 view the latest guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a return to normalcy. “Finally, it’s been so long,” said Grafton parent Caroline Salvador. DESE says starting in the fall, all schools are required to be in-person five days a week, and the agency has lifted COVID-19 health and safety requirements...

Three popular New England theme parks are scheduled to reopen over Memorial Day weekend. Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire, Storyland in Glen, New Hampshire, and Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco, Maine are all set to reopen for the first time following the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday. Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts, had previously reopened, and Water…

Sue O’Connell sat down with Dr. Monica O’Neal to talk about stress people are experiencing as they attempt to meet with friends and make new ones now that restrictions are being lifted.

Starting Monday, masks are no longer required in Maine with some exceptions.

Vermont will lift all remaining pandemic-related restrictions immediately ahead of the July 4 plan if the state reaches 80% of eligible people vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. Phil Scott announced Friday. Vermont leads the nation with over 70% of residents age 12 and older getting at least one dose, Scott said. To reach 80%, another 27,954 will need to get at…

While venues are thrilled live entertainment is returning to Massachusetts, they are also scrambling to meet the demand. From New Kids on the Block to the Jonas Brothers, a number of concert announcements have happened over the last few weeks now that the state has moved up its reopening timeline. The Boch Center in Boston originally thought it would have…

After being closed since March of last year, the iconic and luxurious Plaza Hotel will finally reopen as the city looks to welcome back more tourists. Tea and champagne will start flowing again Thursday and the historic hotel that overlooks Central Park is set to begin taking reservations for rooms, spa and the famous Palm Court. “Generations of New Yorkers…

Massachusetts’ mask mandate will end next week, but some businesses will continue to require face coverings.

New Hampshire will soon end the $300 benefit that unemployed workers can get from the federal government but is introducing a $500-$1,000 bonus for unemployed people who find steady work, Gov. Chris Sununu announced Tuesday.

Business owners are scrambling to hire help as they prepare to open at max capacity by Memorial Day weekend following the latest update to Massachusetts’ reopening plan. All businesses can reopen at 100% capacity without restrictions on May 29 as part of Gov. Charlie Baker’s plan to reopen Massachusetts fully two months ahead of schedule. The state’s mask mandate and…