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COVID-19 Update: Boston Mayor Marty Walsh Announces a City-Wide Rollback to Modified Phase II, Greater Boston Communities Expected to Follow Suit

Today, Mayor Marty Walsh announced that the City of Boston will rollback to a modified Phase II based on the most recent public health metrics for a minimum of 3 weeks. In his announcement, Mayor Walsh also indicated that Lynn, Newton, Somerville, Brockton, Winthrop, and Arlington are moving forward with similar actions today. In the City of Boston, these actions go into effect on Wednesday, December 16.

Changes in this update include but are not limited to:

  • Museums, movie theaters, aquariums, and indoor event spaces will temporarily close to in-person use.
  • Indoor recreational and athletic facilities will close for general use.
  • Indoor facilities for lower contact activities will also temporarily close, including bowling alleys, batting cages, driving ranges, and rock climbing gyms.

Activities that continue as part of Phase II include:

  • Retail stores and personal services like hair salons and barber shops can remain open.
  • Office space will remain limited to 40% capacity.

Additionally, indoor dining at restaurants and bars may continue, with strict adherence to City Guidelines and State Sector Specific Protocols.

Recent Statewide Actions

As a reminder, last week Governor Baker announced a statewide rollback to Phase III, Step 1 in the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan. In the Executive Order, Governor Baker also announced updates to the the protocols governing workspaces, restaurants and indoor dining, and office capacities. These requirements went into effect on Sunday, December 13.

Sector specific guidance has been updated. All information related to Massachusetts’ Reopening Plan can be found by visiting mass.gov/reopening.

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