Planning To Reopen - Beaches

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

We all have a collective responsibility to ensure that when we do choose to out we do so with the safety of ourselves and others around us. Remaining vigilant, following public health directives and using common sense to protect yourself, your family, your neighbors, and vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth is the best way to mitigate against the potential spread of COVID-19.

The state of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) has provided guidelines that apply to beaches during Phase 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening. The following are safety and re-opening standards for the use of coastal and inland beaches in the Commonwealth for Phase 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening. All beach visitors should adopt these specific guidelines. Additional property specific guidelines may also be posted at entrance points to beach areas and on relevant social media/websites. 

As always, work with your local health officials to determine a set of strategies appropriate for your community’s situation.

(See our "Planning to Reopen series of blogs for more information regarding CDC, EPA, FDA, and OSHA safety requirements). To review the administration's reopening guidance from the state click here. To view Governor Baker's full report click here).

All beach visitors over the age of 2, whether indoors or outdoors, should wear a face covering or mask when they cannot maintain 6 feet of distance between themselves and others, unless they have a medical condition preventing them from doing so. Masks are not required to be worn while swimming. No groups larger than 10 are allowed to gather on shore or in the water.

To allow for adequate social distancing for ingress, egress, and transit across the beach, beach capacity should be managed to accommodate a minimum of 12 ft distance between toweling/beach blanket groups. There will be limits on parking lot capacity to accommodate adequate social distancing based on an assessment by the beach manager. There should be no loitering, tailgating or any other social activities in parking lots.

Picnic areas should be closed if social distancing cannot be maintained and sanitization cannot be performed between use.

When Visiting Beaches

• Visitors are required to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet or more at all times and visitors should maintain at least 12 ft minimum distance between toweling/beach blanket areas.
• Organized games should not be allowed including, but not limited to, volleyball, Kan Jam, spikeball, football, soccer, Kadima, and bocce.
• Visitors shall abide by social distancing standards for bathroom lines and follow any established visual guidelines for maintaining a 6’ distance in all restroom facilities.
• Visitors shall keep a minimum distance of 6 feet from lifeguards and between the public and lifeguard stands unless in the case of an emergency.
• Indoor shower facilities and changing facilities will remain closed in Phase 1. 
• Water fountains and water refill stations will remain closed in Phase 1.
• Trash disposal at beaches is available to the discretion of the city or town it is located in and/or the managing organization.
• Visitors of beaches should expect limited or no trash disposal receptacles.
• When visiting beaches without trash receptacles, visitors should adhere to a strict “carry in, carry out” policy and take waste with them.
• Shuttle services to the beach are closed in Phase 1.

We will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC, EPA, FDA, OSHA and the Governor's office to follow as we prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Specialized Training

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal daily cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley today for a free consultation - (617) 332-9000.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!