Get The Duck Boats Ready: Boston Enters Phase 3 Of Coronavirus Reopening Plan
BOSTON (CBS/AP) – A week after most of the rest of Massachusetts, Boston entered the third phase of its coronavirus economic restart on Monday.
Under the plan, movie theaters, museums and historical sites, as well as gyms are among the businesses allowed to reopen with appropriate public health measures in place, including social distancing and mask-wearing.
"It's amazing to be back," said Mark Harrington Jr., owner of Healthworks in the Back Bay. "Numerous studies have shown that the more fit you are, the better you're going to be against underlying health conditions, and even against coronavirus and similar viruses."
A Planet Fitness in Jamaica Plain never even got a chance to launch its grand opening. The day before that was scheduled in March, gyms officially shut down.
"Forty percent capacity is better than zero percent capacity," said Peter Calandrino of Planet Fitness. "Being open is being open. Being here in the community is very important to us."
Tourist attractions like the duck boat tours are also able to resume on Monday.
"We'd love to have you back," said Tony Cerulle of Boston Duck Tours. "If you're a little nervous I understand. But if you have the time and want to take a ride around come on down we'd love to have you."
Boston's plan differs slightly from the state plan. For example, libraries will remain closed for browsing, but card holders can still order books for pickup.
The city is also limiting attendance at outdoor gatherings to 50 people, while the state limit is 100.
"We took an extra week here in Boston, as most people know, to take extra steps due to our unique concerns here in the city," Mayor Marty Walsh said Saturday.
Somerville officials announced Friday it would delay phase three until July 20.
Mayor Joseph Curtatone said he's still concerned about transmission of the disease in indoor spaces in the state's most densely populated city.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
