Monday will look very different in New Hampshire on the COVID-19 front.

Gov. Chris Sununu announced last week that he is letting his stay-at-home order expire on June 15, instead putting in place an “advisory.”

He also announced that he is lifting entirely maximum group gathering restriction.

The Republican governor stressed that the elderly and vulnerable should still focus on staying at home, but noted that cases have stabilized and are on the decline.

“The data supports what we are doing,” Sununu said.

On Monday, most businesses will be permitted to reopen, with limitations, if they follow universal guidelines for cleaning.

Businesses that may open are:

• Gyms at 50 percent capacity.

• Amateur sports and indoor athletic facilities.

• Running and road races.

• Bowling alleys.

• Tourist trains.

• Organized motorcycle rides.

• Small race tracks.

Most will be able to open at 50 percent capacity with 6 feet of social distance between groups and individuals.

While specifics are not finalized, Sununu also said he hopes to have movie theaters and amusement parks open with capacity limitations by the end of the month.

Let us hope that area and state residents continue to observe social distancing protocols. The last thing we need is a spike in coronavirus cases that will set us back months, if not longer.

Reopening the state and all its businesses is a top priority, but not at a detriment to the people of New Hampshire.

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