Baker issues Stay at Home advisory; orders non-essential businesses to close until April 7

This advisory starts at noon on Tuesday, March 24 and lasts until April 7.

Baker emphasized that he is urging people to stay home and avoid any unnecessary activities. At this time, the order is not a mandated shelter-in-place. Baker said he does not believe that he “can or should order U.S. citizens to be confined to their homes for days on end.

“What this means is that everyone can still buy food at the grocery store, get what they need at the pharmacy and, of course, take a walk around the block or at the park.” – Governor Baker

Key facts:

• Non-essential workers will be required not to go to work
• There is an advisory to stay in your home and limit all “unnecessary” activities

Grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, healthcare facilities, gas stations, liquor stores, public transit, restaurants that offer takeout and delivery, and other essential operations will remain open while the advisory is in effect.

Relevant articles:

• Gov. Baker orders Department of Public Health to issue ‘stay-at-home advisory,’ effective Tuesday
• Read the order: https://www.mass.gov/doc/march-23-2020-essential-services-and-revised-gatherings-order/download
• Full list of services and businesses deemed essential