The Baker-Polito Administration announced this month the new "HireNow" program, which aims to boost hiring in Massachusetts with labor force participation rates still lower than pre-pandemic years.
To view the full press release on the Mass.gov website, CLICK HERE Please take a look at the details below as you may be eligible for this grant funding to assist with hiring and training employees.
Questions? Please reach out to any of the AMGO representatives. or Jesse Menachem Executive Director/CEO, Mass Golf [email protected] AllianceMAGolf.org
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(Updated on the Mass.gov website 4/27/21; Effective on 4/30/21)
On Friday, April 30th, Massachusetts will permanently eliminate golf specific guidance and the Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings, inclusive of golf activity. To view the full press release on the Mass.gov website, CLICK HERE There will no longer be specific “golf facility guidelines” that need to be followed. All courses, clubs, and golf facilities can implement any additional safety measures as they see fit.
Phase 1 Guidance to be removed on April 30th:
Commonwealth’s Golf Industry Expecting Another Strong Year
Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations For many golfers, the annual playing of the Masters marks the unofficial start to the golf season. And thanks to warmer than average temperatures in late March, most Massachusetts golf courses are now open and looking forward to another strong golf season. While Massachusetts was one of the last states in the nation to allow golf due to the outbreak of COVID-19, a recent survey of over 370 golf courses in the Commonwealth found that rounds of golf played in 2020 increased by 40% over the previous year. The survey of public and private golf courses, conducted by the Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO), also found that the golf industry expects the gains in rounds played to be maintained and possibly increase this year. “Golfers across Massachusetts turned to the game in record numbers last year,” said Mike Higgins, Executive Director of the New England Section of the Professional Golfers’ Association. “During a time of isolation and great disruption, golf was an ideal activity for many because it is a socially distant sport, is a great way to spend time outside with friends and family safely and is an activity that is easily accessible and affordable to the public.” The AMGO survey also found that golfers reported feeling safe and that courses were able to keep current with the evolving golf-specific guidance provided by the Commonwealth over the course of last season. “During the 2020 golf season, there were no major COVID-19 outbreaks identified on golf courses,” said David Hamer, Professor of Global Health and Medicine at the Boston University Schools of Public Health and Medicine. “Being outside in fresh air with the social distancing required by the game, means golf is a very low-risk activity and one that carries many health benefits, especially for players that walk.” The AMGO survey found that the percentage of walking rounds, defined as players carrying their bag, using a pushcart or caddie, was also up 30%. In spite of the late start to the season caused by the pandemic, the significant increase in golf rounds helped preserve thousands of jobs at area courses and clubs. According to a study released in 2014, the golf industry in Massachusetts supported nearly 25,500 jobs with $796.8 million in wage income and generated roughly $74.3 million in charitable giving. “Massachusetts has a deep connection to the game of golf, and our industry plays an important role in generating good-paying jobs as well as providing a vehicle for charitable groups to raise money,” said Richard Luff the President of the New England Golf Course Owners Association. “As more of the public becomes vaccinated, we are looking forward to a full return to normal in our industry and our lives.” AMGO continues to work with the Commonwealth to make adjustments to the remaining golf specific state guidance. For further information please contact Jesse Menachem, Executive Director/CEO of Mass Golf. [email protected] The Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO) is dedicated to promoting, protecting and serving the interests of the game of golf, its facilities, administrators, employees and golfers in Massachusetts. Mass Golf New England Section of the PGA of America New England Golf Course Owners Association Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England Golf Course Superintendents Association of Cape Cod New England Chapter, Club Management Association of America New England Golf Association Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund PGA TOUR (Updated on the Mass.gov website 2/25/21; Effective on 3/1/21)
The Governor’s Administration Announced announced that Massachusetts would advance to Step 2 of Phase III of the state’s reopening plan on Monday, March 1, and also announced its plan to transition to Step 1 of Phase IV on Monday, March 22. To view the press release on the Mass.gov website, CLICK HERE Phase Three, Step 2 Beginning March 1, all communities will move back to Phase III, Step 2 of Massachusetts’ re-opening plan, including the following restrictions:
Increased Capacity at Golf Facilities in all communities, capacity will be raised from 40% to 50% for golf facilities. NOTE: This capacity adjustment is for the indoor areas of a golf facility and not for the outdoor areas of a golf facility. Phase Four, Step 1 Beginning March 22, provided public health metrics continue to improve, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan, with the following restrictions:
(Updated on the Mass.gov website 12/22/20; Effective on 12/26/20)
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2020, Massachusetts will implement temporary capacity limits to stop the spread of COVID-19 as cases and hospitalizations rise. Businesses must adhere to the following capacity limitations. The revised limits below supersede existing limits in the Phase 3, Step 1 Sector-Specific Protocols. Except for the specified adjustments to capacity limitations, all other terms of COVID-19 gatherings order (including exceptions) and all sector-specific workplace safety rules remain unchanged. These limits are in effect until January 10, 2021 unless further extended by the Governor. Similar to almost all other business sectors, golf facilities will be limited to 25% capacity applying only to indoor spaces. Restaurants will also be limited to 25% capacity, but workers/staff are excluded from occupancy count. It is also noted that this "applies separately to indoor and outdoor capacity." (Updated on the Mass.gov website 12/8/20; Effective on 12/13/20)
The Governor's Administration Announced New Restrictions Statewide for Capacity, Mask Compliance and Distancing Due to Increased Cases, Hospitalizations. The full press release is available on the Mass.gov website and via the link below. "These new measures are designed to prevent infection and viral spread, especially in indoor settings. They will create stronger mask compliance, more social distancing, and limits to the time spent with people outside of your immediate household." (Updated on the Mass.gov website 11/5/20; Effective on 11/6/20)
The Governor’s Administration updated the state’s golf facility guidelines on the Mass.gov website at 8:00 PM ET on Thursday, November 5. It has been confirmed that face-coverings are required by anyone at the facility, even while playing. Face Coverings Required While Practicing and Playing “Require face coverings for all customers and workers, except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability.” FULL DETAILS ON UPDATED FACE-COVERING MANDATE (MASS.GOV) FULL DETAILS OF STAY-AT-HOME ADVISORY (MASS.GOV) Early Closure Guidance “In accordance with the COVID-19 Order No. 53, Requiring Early Closing for Certain Businesses and Activities Golf Facilities must close to the public by 9:30 pm and may not re-open to the public before 5:00 am the following day (“mandatory closing period”). During this daily mandatory closing period, Golf Facilities must not admit any customers, patrons, or members of the public. Golf Facilities may permit employees to stay on premises during the mandatory closing period.” |
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COVID-19 NOTE
The COVID-19 Golf Guidelines for Facilities in Massachusetts have been permanently eliminated. Golf Facilities should now follow the Mandatory Safety Standards for Workplaces for protocols for Sectors Not Otherwise Addressed. |