Gov. Baker Announces Phase 3 Will Start Monday

In a press conference this afternoon, Governor Baker announced that Phase 3 in the reopening process will begin Monday, July 6 everywhere in Massachusetts except Boston. Boston's Phase 3 will start Monday, July 13. Officials in Boston requested an extra week to solidify the city's process for permitting events in outdoor spaces.

Previously released guidelines of Phase 3 included gyms, overnight camps, casinos, movie theaters, museums, performance venues, instructional classes, and event spaces.

• Fitness centers and gyms will be required to keep occupancy under 40%, sanitizing equipment between use, and requiring face coverings.
• Sports teams will also be allowed to hold games without fans in Phase 3.
• Cultural and historical facilities and small guided tours will be allowed to resume operations.
• Indoor gatherings will be limited to eight people per 1,000 square feet, but should not include more than 25 people in a single enclosed indoor space.
• Wedding and party venues will be allowed to reopen but must keep their bars and dance floors closed, keep guests in groups not larger than six people, and limit occupancy.

Bars will remain in Phase 4 for Massachusetts, which as of right now means they will not be allowed to reopen until there are therapeutics or a vaccine.

Phase 3 is described as Vigilant by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and will have two steps, just like Phase 2. Baker nor Polito elaborated on what would be included although the Governor did say Phase 3 will last “significantly longer” than previous phases.