Boston enters Phase 4 with modifications, allows more businesses to reopen Monday

BOSTON — Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced the city will enter Phase 4 on Monday with some modifications and will catch up with the rest of the state by allowing some businesses to also reopen.

While the rest of the state was allowed to return to Phase 3, Step 2 on March 1, Boston did not move forward, citing a higher rate of COVID-19 infections.

Starting Monday, Phase 3, Step 2 businesses including roller rinks, trampoline parks, escape rooms and laser tag will be allowed to reopen in Boston.

Also starting Monday, indoor performance venues in Boston can open at 50% capacity with a cap of 500 people.

Live musical performances (except singing) will once again be allowed in Boston restaurants.

As part of Phase 4, Step 1, Boston is joining the rest of the state in reopening indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks with a 12% capacity limit.

Gathering limits will also increase in Boston on Monday, though not as significantly as the rest of the state.

In Boston, gatherings at event venues and public settings will increase to 60 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. The rest of Massachusetts will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors.

Outdoor dining is also set to resume in Boston on March 22.

Restaurants that were given approval and that don’t already have designated patio areas will be able to set up seating spaces on certain streets, sidewalks and parking lots.

This applies for everywhere in the city, except the North End, which will have to wait until April 1.

Cox Media Group