Somerville Won't Start Phase 3 For Another Week

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city is waiting another week before pulling the trigger on the start of reopening Phase 3. New indoor and outdoor gathering guidelines will go into effect July 20 with additional restrictions beyond those imposed by the state.

Phase 3 started everywhere other than Boston July 6. Somerville officials said they would wait at least another week before starting Phase 3, citing their city's proximity to Boston and population density.

Businesses in the Phase 3 Step 1 reopening include large indoor venues like movie theaters, cultural centers and performance venues; gyms and fitness centers such as yoga or spin studios; outdoor performance venues; and indoor and outdoor gatherings. These establishments will reopen Monday, July 20, assuming all safety protocols are met.

"Research shows that the risk of coronavirus transmission is significantly higher in indoor spaces and that larger events and gatherings can lead to exponentially more virus spread if an infected person is present," Director of Health and Human Services Doug Kress said in a statement. "People with COVID-19 can also pass this virus on to others even when they have no or only mild symptoms. So it is imperative that we remain vigilant and move forward thoughtfully and carefully as we enter into Phase 3. In Somerville, we are fortunate to have a business community committed to working with us to ensure Somerville sets and follows the highest safety standards."

Somerville is currently working in collaboration with area businesses to finalize enhanced safety requirements and guidelines, which will be issued next week. Phase 3 Health and Human Services categories opened in Somerville according to statewide plans on July 6.

For more information and regular COVID-19 updates, visit www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus and sign up for City alerts at www.somervillema.gov/Alerts. We urge you to sign up for every alert method you are able to receive: phone call, text, email. Also follow FB.com/SomervilleCity and @SomervilleCity.