Boston Extends Reopening Pause For At Least 3 More Weeks
BOSTON (CBS) – Mayor Marty Walsh announced on Tuesday that Boston is extending its COVID restrictions for at least three more weeks. The city will remain in a modified Phase 2, Step 2 of its coronavirus reopening plan.
"We are getting to a point where it's getting very dangerous, getting to a point where it's very dangerous for hospitalizations," said Walsh.
As a result, businesses like gyms, fitness centers, and health centers will remain closed. One-on-one training is still allowed.
"Not being open for the most important month would hurt probably any business," said Lynx Fitness Club Founder Billy Najam.
Najam is disappointed it will be at least another three weeks until the gym can reopen. He says January is an important month for new membership sign ups with the New Year. Right now, they can only do one-on-one personal training at the Arlington Street gym.
"It's just tough to close the gym and reopen the gym and have to close it again," said Najam.
Movie theaters, museums, aquariums, arcades, and indoor athletic facilities are among the industries that must also close. The restrictions do not apply to professional or college sports facilities.
Offices, indoor dining, salons and barbershops, and houses of worship can remain open with a 25% capacity limit. There is a 90-minute seating limit for restaurants with indoor dining and bar seating is off limits unless approved by the city.
"Sad, because it was hurting us," said Q Restaurant owner Billy Gu.
Gu says they're doing everything they can to just get by. "We're a popular spot we use to be jammed packed, but now with no bar, 25% that's like might as well tell us to close down," said Gu.
Mayor Walsh is asking people to only go out to dinner with people in their COVID bubble, to not table hop and to keep your mask on when not eating or drinking.
"I don't think businesses can last a lot longer - particularly small businesses or restaurants or retail shops," said Walsh. "That's why I can't stress enough the importance of wearing these masks, you know really trying to isolate as best as possible from other people."
Indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people and outdoor gatherings 25 people in public and private spaces.
For a complete list of impacted industries, visit the City of Boston website.
WBZ-TV's Mike LaCrosse contributed to this report.
