Planning To Reopen - Phase 3, Indoor Recreation Businesses

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Phase 3 of Governor Charlie Baker's administration's plan to reopen the state of Massachusetts for business is in effect. Strict rules are in place for the third phase of a four-phase economic reopening in Massachusetts. The following outlines the workplace safety standards pertaining to social distancing for Indoor Recreation Businesses approved for reopening during Phase 3.

Approved indoor recreational business are:

• batting cages
• driving ranges
• go-carts
• bowling alleys
• rock–climbing walls

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

These standards are minimum requirements only and are not exclusive or exhaustive. The public health data for disease prevention upon which these guidelines are based can and does change frequently, it is the responsibility of each Indoor Recreational Business owner to stay abreast of any updates to these requirements.

(See our "Planning to Reopen series of blogs for more information regarding CDC, EPA, FDA, Mass EEA 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).

Social Distancing

It is the responsibility of approved indoor recreational activity business owners and staff to monitor customer entries and exits and limit occupancy at all times to the greater of the following:

1. 40% of the building’s maximum permitted occupancy as documented in its occupancy permit on record with the municipal building department or other municipal record holder
2. Buildings for which no permitted occupancy limitation is on record may allow 8 persons (including staff) per 1,000 square feet of accessible, indoor space o In any case, no enclosed space within the building may exceed occupancy of 8 persons per 1,000 square feet
3. All occupant counts and calculations shall include customers, staff, and other workers
4. Post clearly visible signage regarding the need to maintain 6 feet of social distancing and not to enter a room until that distancing can be maintained
5. Ensure separation of 6 feet or more between individuals where possible: 
   1. Close or reconfigure worker common spaces and high density areas where workers are likely to congregate (e.g., break rooms, eating areas) to allow social distancing o Physical partitions must separate workstations that cannot be spaced out (partitions must be at least 6 feet in height)
   2. Install physical barriers for checkout stations where possible, otherwise maintain 6 feet distance where not possible
   3. Install visual social distancing markers to encourage customers to remain 6 feet apart (e.g., lines to enter the building, lines for equipment if applicable, checkout lines, lines to use the restroom)
   4. Mark rooms and hallways to indicate 6 feet separation
6. Stagger lunch and break times, regulating max number of workers in one place and ensuring at least 6 feet of physical distancing
7. Require face coverings for all workers and customers, except where unsafe due to medical condition or disability
8. Establish directional pathways to manage visitor flow for foot traffic, to minimize contact (e.g., one-way entrance and exit to rooms / recreation areas, one-way pathways).
9. Post clearly visible signage regarding traffic policies
10. Reconfigure seating / recreation areas to ensure 6 feet distancing between customers not in the same group 
11. Distance shall be measured from the closest boundary of one customer recreation area to the closest boundary of another customer recreation area
12. Limit group sizes for group activities or group bookings to no more than 10 people
13. Contactless payment methods and / or digital ticketing are encouraged
14. Encourage the use of electronic versions or no-touch displays in place of commonly touched physical materials (such as menus and pricing brochures) where possible.
15. All commonly touched physical materials must be discarded or sanitized between use
16. Any self-serve equipment or other physical materials should be removed, and instead all materials must be handed out individually by employees

While the administration continues to work with communities to implement best practices and protocols we will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC, FDA, OSHA, Mass EEA 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!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

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! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!