BOSTON — Cities and towns around Boston are following its lead and rolling back to Phase 2, Step 2 of COVID-19 protocols after a recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
“Our goal is to stop this surge,” Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller told Boston 25 News.
So, like Boston, that’s the goal in several communities including:
- Arlington
- Brockton
- Newton
- Winthrop
- Lynn
PREVIOUS: Boston rolling back to Phase 2, Step 2
Arlington’s town manager, Adam Chapdelaine, said this is needed after COVID-19 numbers climbed following Thanksgiving.
“Frankly, we have felt for some time now that a deeper rollback was necessary based on the data,” he said.
Newton’s Mayor Fuller also said it’s the right move.
“As COVID-19 surges forward, it makes sense for the City of Newton to roll back,” Mayor Fuller said.
In smaller municipalities the primary businesses impacted by a step back will be gyms, movie theaters and indoor historical sites. Residents who spoke to Boston 25 News said they understand.
“I think it’s frustrating for everybody, but we just kind of have to do what we have to do,” Lauren Miller of Newton said.
And with a vaccine on the horizon, others said there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“I feel like we’re almost through this, the vaccine is here,” said one man who wanted to remain anonymous. “Let’s see it through.”
>>>MORE: World War II veteran in Bedford becomes first VA patient to receive COVID-19 vaccine in U.S.
However, if the current holiday season brings another spike, this rollback could roll on.
“Thanksgiving clearly produced a spike. If Christmas and New Year’s create a similar spike it might have to be extended,” Chapdelaine said.
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