BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Although a significant portion of Boston's student population will not return to campuses this fall due to the pandemic, those who are moving into Boston at the end of the month will return to a city without much of a nightlife.
With bars and clubs closed across the state, it only makes sense to many students that they should hang out and drink together at house parties instead.
"Yeah, I feel like house parties will definitely become more popular," Sam, a student in Boston told WBZ NewsRadio. "For sure."
Last month, Gov. Baker said there had been "disturbing reports" of large private gatherings throughout the summer, some of which led to "COVID-clusters," which are now being investigated by the state Department of Health.
In response, Baker adjusted the state's rules for outdoor gatherings during the pandemic, limiting it from 100 people to 50 people.
When WBZ NewsRadio asked students in Boston whether they would report an overcrowded student house party, there were mixed reactions.
"I would be concerned for them," said Sarah, a Boston-area student, "but if that's how they want to deal with this whole pandemic, then that's their decision."
Another student said he may not immediately call the police over a big gathering, but he would talk to the hosts about downsizing the crowd.
"[I'd] try to give them a second opinion on having a huge function like that," said Noel. "I don't know, if anyone out there wants to do a house party, just get smaller groups."
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports:
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