A message from Commissioner McCosh: Reopening in Phase 3

A weekly message from Commissioner McCosh in support of the local disability community.

Dear Disability Community Members,

I hope that everyone had a nice Fourth of July holiday and a relaxing long weekend. This year, Independence Day was certainly different in terms of celebrations and get-togethers. As we’ve all learned over the last few months, it can be really difficult to practice social distancing during large social events, so there were no community parades or fireworks held across the Commonwealth this year.

While this was disappointing, it was necessary in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

As we head into summer, Public Health guidelines for COVID-19 remain in place throughout the state. This continues to impact our ability to go out and about - but there is good news on this front! As we told you last week, we are beginning to see positive results in containing the spread of the virus, and now these results are turning into actions!

It's been a long time coming, but Massachusetts will hit another big milestone this week. Starting on Monday, July 6th, activities and services listed in Phase 3 of the state’s COVID-19 Plan will begin to reopen. This means that businesses in the following categories are currently eligible to open back up as long as they adhere to certain conditions:

Movie theaters and outdoor performance venues
Museums, cultural institutions, and historic sites
Fitness centers, gyms, and health clubs
Some indoor recreational activities with low potential for contact
Professional sports teams may hold games without spectators

It is important to note that Boston’s Phase 3 reopening will not begin until one week after the rest of the State, on Monday, July 13th. This delayed reopening will affect the numerous tourist attractions that are located in the city. People come from all over the world to visit Boston’s cultural institutions, museums, theaters, historic sites, and sports venues - basically all the things that make our city such a special place.

Whether you are a resident or a tourist, please remember that while many places are reopening, they may still have significant restrictions in place, and others may choose not to reopen right away. So if you are planning to visit any of the venues listed in Phase 3, in Boston or anywhere else in the state, you should check their website or call before you go for more information.

Finally, please remember to continue to follow public health guidance whenever you go out in public: try to maintain a safe social distance from people outside of your immediate household, always wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently.

As always, please feel free to reach out to us if you need assistance. You can dial 311 to reach City Hall, or call us at 617-635-3682. Our email is disability@boston.gov and the latest updates are available at Boston.gov.

Until next week, please stay informed, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Sincerely,