On May 17, 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the final stage of reopening Massachusetts. As of May 29, 2021, all industry restrictions and capacity limitations will be rescinded. The Department of Public Health will be issuing updated guidance mirroring that from the Centers for Disease Control. The wearing of face coverings will still be required in some settings, such as public transportation, healthcare settings, and schools. Additionally, private businesses may continue to require employees and patrons to wear face coverings.

As we move into this final phase of reopening, REALTORS® should continue to work closely with their clients to develop showing and open house strategies that the client is comfortable with. Sellers may choose to continue to require individuals viewing the property to wear face coverings and may restrict the number of people in the property at any given time.

Finally, the current State of Emergency that has been in place in the Commonwealth since March 10, 2020, will end on June 15, 2021. Orders that are tied to the current state of emergency will cease to be effective unless legislative action is taken to extend these items:

– Remote online notarization: terminates three (3) business days following the end of the state of emergency

– Permit extensions

-Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development emergency regulations related to notices to quit

For more information on the reopening click here.