Cape Cod COVID-19 FAQ

C A P E C O D C O V I D - 1 9 FA Q S H E E T We at Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty know how hard it is to keep up with the facts surrounding Cape Cod Vacation Rentals as we navigate new regulations and restrictions. There has been a lot of speculation and uncertainty and we hope to help to create clarity where we can. Based on your feedback, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and provided accurate answers below.

We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available. _____________________________________________________________________ ARE VISITORS COMING TO CAPE COD REQUIRED TO SELF-QUARANTINE? Massachusetts' Governor Charlie Baker recently announced, effective August 1, 2020 that all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders. Unless coming from any of the 6 New England states, New York or New Jersey, visitors from every other state must fill out on-line a Massachusetts Travel Form ( https://www.mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-travelform ) and either quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours before arriving in MA. You can also choose to arrive on Friday July 31 to be exempt from this mandate. Violations of this mandate carry potential fines of up to $500 per day. As state requirements affecting travelers may change from time to time, for updated information, go to https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-governor/news or go to www.massgov.com . _____________________________________________________________________ A R E S H O R T T E R M R E N TA L S A L L O W E D T H I S S U M M E R ?

Yes, as of June 8, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty can execute both short-term and long-term leases for this coming summer.

Prior to June 8th, only long-term rentals were permitted. _____________________________________________________________________ ARE CAPE COD BEACHES OPEN? Beaches have always been open. The Cape does not have any intention of closing beach access., though there are state-wide regulations that have been implemented across Cape Cod that beachgoers must adhere to this summer. According to Boston.com, initial state reopening guidelines include limiting gatherings to less than 10 people, maintaining 6 feet from others at all times and 12 feet in between towel areas, wearing a mask where 6 feet can't be maintained, and refraining from playing certain beach sports.

Additionally, depending on the town, there will be varying guidelines that people must also follow. As reported by the Cape Cod Times, Dennis is currently prepping for a socially distant, beachgoing experience, with reduced parking, larger police and lifeguard presence, increased bathroom sanitation and requirement of beach stickers. _____________________________________________________________________ WILL MASKS BE REQUIRED? On May 1st Governor Baker issued COVID-19 Order 31 that, requiring as of May 6, masks are to be worn by any person over the age of two who,: “….is in a place open to the public in the Commonwealth, whether indoor or outdoor and is unable to or does not maintain a distance of approximately six feet from every other person shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering...”.

From another section, the order states that “all persons are required to wear masks or face coverings at all times when inside grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail stores.” As of June 8th, masks are still to be worn in situations where you can not maintain 6 feet of separation, and are required at restaurants while waiting to be seated.

C A N W E D I N E AT R E S TA U R A N T S ?

As announced within the Phase 2 formal executive order this weekend, restaurants are able to offer outdoor dining experiences beginning June 8th. Stemming from Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito's initial guideline announcement on May 28th, restaurants offering outdoor dining will have to adhere to a variety of restrictions to ensure the safety of their customers upon reopening. Main guidelines include the requirement of patrons to wear masks prior to being seated, strict table spacing with 6 feet of separation, parties that don't exceed 6 people, elimination of bar seating, directional hallways for foot traffic, face coverings for all workers, disposable menus, and more. Indoor dining will be permitted at a later date within Phase 2, which is to be announced. _____________________________________________________________________ W H E N W I L L O T H E R N O N - E S S E N T I A L B U S I N E S S E S S TA R T R E - O P E N I N G ?

As of June 8, Phase 2 includes the opening of retail stores, short term lodging, vacation rentals, restaurants and more in a multi-step launch. Step 1 of Phase 2 enables the following services to reopen with details guidelines: retail, with occupancy limits; childcare facilities and day camps; lodging and hotels without events, functions or meetings; warehouses and distribution centers; personal services without close physical contact (home cleaning, photography, window washing); outdoor recreation facilities; youth and adult amateur sports; outdoor historical spaces, without functions, gatherings or guided tours; funeral homes with limited occupancy and more.

Step 2 of Phase 2 will allow the reopening of the following services: indoor table service at restaurants; close-contact personal services, with restrictions, including hair removal and replacement, nail care, skin care, massage therapy, tanning salons, makeup salons, tattoo, piercing and body art services and personal training. _____________________________________________________________________ WHERE CAN I FIND THE PERTINENT GOVERNOR’S ORDERS FOR THE COVID-19 PA N D E M I C ?

Please click here to access the State of Massachusetts’ 4-phase reopening plan, along with downloadable resources.