Back in early July, Phase 3 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy commenced, and now a second step of that phase is getting ready to begin--though not for everybody.
In today's press conference, the Baker administration gave the green light for Phase 3, Step 2 to commence as of Monday, October 5, though just for lower risk communities in the state (those cities and towns that have not been a "red" community over the past three weekly reports). Step 2 affects a small number of businesses, and it includes permitting indoor performance venues such as concert halls to open at 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 250 people while outdoor performance venues will be able to increase to the same amounts--50 percent capacity with a maximum of 250 people. Those communities that are not lower risk will remain at Phase 3, Step 1, which means that indoor performance venues cannot open in those cities and towns, while outdoor performance venues will stay at 25 percent capacity with a maximum of 100 people.
As indicated in earlier press conferences, large capacity venues such as stadiums and arenas will not be able to open in any communities until Phase 4.
[September 30 update: A tweet from @AbbeyNBCBoston states that the city of Boston will not be moving to Phase 3, Step 2, as Mayor Marty Walsh says that coronavirus cases are rising in the city and that Boston will likely move into the red zone soon.]
[October 1 update: A Twitter post from @maureencaught confirms that Boston is now in the red zone, joining a number of other communities in Massachusetts that are in the high-risk category for COVID.]
[Earlier Article]
Phase 3 of Reopening Plan for Massachusetts Begins for Many on Monday; Phase 4 Not Happening Anytime Soon
[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
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