Massachusetts Lengthens Essential Services List During Extended Shut Down

Published: McLane.com
April 1, 2020

On March 31, Governor Baker issued an “Order Extending the Closing of Certain Workplaces and the Prohibition on Gatherings of More Than 10 People.” The extension is effective April 1 and runs until May 4. The COVID-19 Essential Services list has been substantially increased as of March 31, and goes into effect April 1.

Added Essential Services include:

  • workers supporting the operation of firearm or ammunition product manufacturers, importers, and distributors;
  • building security staff;
  • agribusiness support services to include those employed in auction and sales;
  • workers supporting the renewable energy infrastructure and those involved in nuclear re-fueling operations;
  • workers supporting the distribution of food, pharmaceuticals, and other medical materials;
  • private sector employees with work related to undersea cable infrastructure; and
  • workers needed to provide consumer access to bank and lending services, including ATMs.

The new list is fourteen pages long – much longer and more comprehensive than the initial list – and should be reviewed carefully by Massachusetts companies and workers.

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