With coronavirus cases rising and the state’s positive test rate ticking up, Somerville is officially putting its long-delayed Phase 3 reopening on hold.<\/b>
\nWith coronavirus cases rising and the state\u2019s positive test rate ticking up, Somerville is officially putting its long-delayed Phase 3 reopening on hold.
Mayor Joseph Curtatone said that while \u201cpressing pause on this next phase is painful,\u201d it is \u201cnecessary as we strive to protect our residents and give ourselves a fighting chance of getting our kids back in schools.\u201d
Somerville had already thrice delayed moving into its next phase of reopening, which includes gyms, movie theaters and other large indoor venues. Health and human services were allowed to resume when the rest of the state \u2014 save Boston \u2014 began Phase 3 on July 6. Grocery store capacity limits were also increased alongside the state on July 17.
\u201cWe are watching as the virus rages and businesses are shut back down in states that ignored clear warnings that they were opening too quickly. We are also watching state and local data head in the wrong direction,\u201d Curtatone said. \u201cAt the same time, testing and contact tracing concerns and challenges continue to rise. This is a dangerous mix.\u201d
To help struggling businesses, the city will now allow gyms and fitness centers to operate outdoor classes in groups of up to 25 people on either private property or in public spaces at a steeply discounted rate. Other outdoor and indoor gatherings will continue to be limited to 10 people.
\u201cEven outdoors, these fitness activities will only be safe if everyone \u2014 patrons, staff, and owners \u2014 fully commits to following all safety and hygiene requirements,\u201d Health and Human Services Director Doug Kress said. \u201cI cannot stress enough how important face coverings, social distancing, hand washing, not sharing equipment, and surface disinfection are.\u201d
Somerville has seen increasing trends in both its seven- and 14-day positive case counts. And Curtatone is keeping a wary eye on the state\u2019s positive test rate, which ticked up to 2% this week after hovering around 1.7% since July 11 \u2014 a shift also concerning state leaders.<\/p>\n