SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Officials in Somerville are supporting outdoor gym and fitness options, after announcing that Phase Three of the City's reopening plan will remain on hold.
Despite previous plans to enter Phase Three at the start of August, which would have been a month behind the rest of the state, the City said on July 31 that Phase Two rules will remain in place for now.
"As members of the medical community note rising case counts and urge a rollback of the State’s phased reopening, Somerville’s Phase 3 Step 1 reopening will remain on hold," said the City. "Local officials continue to review the situation in two-week intervals, with the next update coming on or before Monday, August 17."
Since Phase Two mandates limiting gathering sizes to ten people, the City said it will be "supporting outdoor alternatives" to gyms and fitness centers in August.
That means after the City reviews and approves their safety plans, Somerville's fitness companies will be allowed to operate outdoor fitness classes and group activities with up to 25 participants.
"We are watching as the virus rages, and businesses are shut back down in states that ignored clear warnings that they were opening too quickly," said Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone. "We are also watching state and local data head in the wrong direction. At the same time, testing and contact tracing concerns and challenges continue to rise. This is a dangerous mix. Pressing pause on this next phase is painful, but necessary as we strive to protect our residents and give ourselves a fighting chance of getting our kids back into schools."
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