BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — While the rest of Massachusetts entered Phase Three of the economic reopening plan on Monday, July 6th, Boston is gearing up to enter its third phase of reopening on Monday, July 13th.
At a press conference on Friday, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh told reporters the city will continue to monitor COVID-19 testing data, and to track average new cases, which have been going down in Boston over each 14-day period.
"For Phase Three, we have new sector guidelines available for indoor fitness and health clubs, outdoor events, museums, cultural and historic facilities, and guided tours," said Mayor Walsh. "These are detailed operational guidelines that build on the state requirements."
Despite state guidelines allowing larger gatherings, Walsh said public and private meetings will not be allowed in City Hall or other city buildings. Instead, he said his Administration will continue to work remotely.
Residents in the rest of Massachusetts were able to return to browsing libraries at the start of Phase Three. However, Mayor Walsh said Boston's public libraries will remain online only for now.
"On Monday, permitting starts back up for low- and moderate-contact sports and other events," said Walsh. "High contact sports like basketball, football, and lacrosse are not permitted until Step Two of Phase Three, but skills practice in those sports is allowed. For outdoor events, we are limiting attendance to 50 people."
Walsh said the city is also extending the moratorium on non-essential evictions at Boston Housing Authority properties through the end of the year.
To help with a safe reopening, Walsh said Metro Boston's public bike-share, Blue Bikes, is offering free 90-day passes to all workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and local retail shops.
As of Thursday, Boston had reported 13,650 cases of COVID-19.
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