With broad scientific consensus pointing to a  high risk of virus transmission at large gatherings, especially those indoors in poorly ventilated spaces, Somerville will take a more cautious approach to Phase 3 Step 2. Businesses and activities in this step will not be reopening on the state’s schedule. Local officials will continue to review the situation and provide updates. In Somerville, indoor and outdoor gatherings remain limited to no more than 10 persons until further notice, unless specifically permitted in city activity-specific guidelines.

Businesses and activities in the state’s Phase 3 Step 2 reopening include indoor and outdoor performance venues, arcades and other indoor and outdoor recreation businesses, and retail fitting rooms. Capacity increases announced for gyms and other Phase 3 Step 2 businesses will also not move forward at this time in Somerville.

Along with a handful of other municipalities including Boston and Framingham, Somerville will also not be moving forward at this time with new restaurant guidelines and capacity increases announced in September, including an increase in the number of people allowed to sit at a table and the use of bar seating within restaurants, reusable menus, and shared condiment dispensers.

At each step of reopening, Somerville has carefully reviewed all guidelines in coordination with area experts, and with local proprietors as well where possible, to determine the safest possible standards to protect the staff, customers, and broader community. The intention is both to slow the spread of the virus and ensure a sustainable, long-term reopening to avoid costly reclosures for our local businesses.

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.