Massachusetts

BOSTON — Indoor dining services at restaurants and personal service businesses, including nail salons and massage therapy parlors, have been cleared to reopen as of June 22, according to a statement from Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. Businesses in Massachusetts have gradually reopened over the last few weeks as the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed across the state. Restaurants were permitted to resume outdoor dining services on June 8, provided that tables both inside and outside were spaced at least six feet apart and customers wore masks when not seated at their table. Party sizes are limited to six guests and bar seating is not allowed. Other businesses permitted to reopen include retail fitting rooms, tanning salons, skin care services, tattoo parlors and personal training facilities. In addition, offices can expand from 25 percent to 50 percent capacity but are still encouraged to allow employees to work from home if possible. As of June 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 106,900 cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, and more than 7,800 deaths.

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. — The U.S. economy officially peaked during the fourth quarter of 2019 and entered a recession in February, according to a new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), a Cambridge, Mass.-based nonprofit group that tracks economic cycles. A recession entails two consecutive quarters of economic contraction, measured by gross domestic product. NBER analysts believe this recession was a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent business closures, layoffs and slowing of general business in the United States. As this economic shutdown was self-induced, unlike previous recession periods in the country’s history, NBER analysts predict that this recession will be comparatively brief. February marked the end of the economic expansion that began in June 2009 and which saw 128 months of consecutive job growth, the longest streak in the history of U.S. business cycles dating back to 1854, according to NBER. The previous record was held by the business expansion that lasted for 120 months from March 1991 to March 2001.

BOSTON — Massachusetts has entered Phase II of its reopening plan, according to a statement from Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday. Businesses allowed to resume operations under social distancing restrictions include childcare facilities, higher education classes, hotels, outdoor recreation, in-store retail, breweries and restaurants with outdoor service. Baker will wait at least three weeks of the Phase II period before deciding to proceed to Phase III of reopening, which will include bars, casinos, gyms and entertainment venues. As of June 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 103,100 cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts and more than 7,200 deaths.