Somerville Phase 3 reopening and gatherings to follow Boston July 13 schedule at earliest, with possible later openings; additional guidelines to be issued next week

With COVID-19 cases on the rise throughout much of the country, Somerville Phase 3 reopenings — and implementation of gatherings guidance – will proceed on a more cautious schedule than those outlined by the Governor.

With the exception of the Phase 3 Healthcare and Human Services providers, which will open according to statewide plans, no other currently closed establishments in Somerville will reopen prior to July 13, which is the delayed reopening date set by the Governor just for Boston. Updated guidelines for gatherings will also not go into effect until July 13 at the earliest. This will give city officials time to continue working with business owners to create safety protocols. In some cases, opening dates later than July 13 may be set as a result. Additional guidelines will be shared next week.

Businesses in the Phase 3 reopening include large indoor venues generally considered to be at high risk for viral spread without proper measures in place, such as movie theaters, cultural centers, and performance venues. Opening dates and gathering guidelines will be announced after due diligence has been performed to ensure activities will proceed with proper safety measures and plans in place that will reduce risk to public health and be part of a sustainable reopening. 

The Governor’s plan allows for reopenings to start Monday, July 6, except for in Boston, which will reopen July 13. Yet, as with most previous phases, Somerville will take a more cautious approach given that it is the most densely populated city in Massachusetts and in the heart of the metro Boston region.

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