Flags in Boston Common honor vets; Some beaches reopen in RI

Volunteers placed 1,000 physically distanced flags on Boston Common for Memorial Day while beaches, barbers and hair salons reopen in Massachusetts and two state beaches in Rhode Island open, all with restrictions.

Here's a look at the developments in New England related to the coronavirus outbreak.

MASSACHUSETTS

One thousand American flags were placed about 6 feet apart on the Boston Common overnight for Memorial Day.

Normally about 37,000 flags would be placed to honor the Massachusetts service members who died in service since the American Revolution. Organizers with the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund had canceled the effort two weeks ago but then opted for a smaller effort overnight to limit the number of volunteers and onlookers amid the coronavirus pandemic, WBZ-TV reported.

Massachusetts beaches opened Monday, but with restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Beachgoers must keep at least 6 feet apart while walking and set up chairs and towels 12 feet away from others. Groups of more than 10 and organized games are not permitted.

“On some of our bigger beaches, we’ve actually made one-way traffic to and from the beach. On places where the trails are narrower, we’ve actually divided it into an entry and exit side,” said Brewster natural resources director Chris Miller told WBUR.

Hair salons and barber shops were also allowed to reopen Monday with restrictions. ____

RHODE ISLAND

Two state beaches are opening in Rhode Island on Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer season.

Gov. Gina Raimondo announced last week that East Matunuck Beach in South Kingstown and Scarborough Beach in Narragansett would be the only two state-run beaches to open Monday but stressed that there would be limited parking and no lifeguards, concessions...