Governor Orders Closure of All Non-Essential Businesses

This morning, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker issued an emergency order requiring all non-essential businesses to close their physical locations starting at noon on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 until April 7, 2020 at noon.  Additionally, all gatherings are now limited to ten (10) or fewer people.  The order also directs the Department of Public Health to issue a stay at home advisory outlining self-isolation and social distancing protocols.

The order is also accompanied by a detailed list of what constitutes essential services that may remain open– the list is available here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-essential-services/download.  The category of essential businesses that can remain open includes:

  • Health Care & Public Health
  • Law Enforcement, Public Safety, and First Responders
  • Food and Agriculture
  • Critical Manufacturing
  • Transportation
  • Energy
  • Water and Wastewater
  • Public Works
  • Communications and Information Technology
  • Financial Services
  • Defense Industry Base
  • Chemical Manufacturing and Hazardous Materials
  • Other Designated Community Based Essential Function and Government Operations
  • News Media

As directed by the Governor our office will be closed; however, all of our attorneys will be working remotely and remain available to respond to our clients’ needs.  You can reach our attorneys on their cell phones or through our office main number at 617-862-2005 which will be staffed remotely by our administrative assistants.

We will continue to monitor federal and state guidance and legislation for further developments related to COVID-19.  If you have any questions, please contact us.