Somerville Coronavirus Rules Remain Rolled Back

SOMERVILLE, MA — Somerville will remain in a modified version of Phase 2, Step 2 of reopening due to continued high COVID-19 numbers, officials said. The city rolled back to this earlier phase of reopening Dec. 17 as part of a region-wide effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Nearby Arlington, which rolled back along with Somerville, eased its restrictions to align with the state's on Wednesday. The state guidance will remain in effect until at least Jan. 22.

Here is what's closed in Somerville:

Closed as of the end of day December 17

• Indoor fitness centers and health clubs, including gyms using alternative spaces. One-on-one personal training sessions are allowed.
• Indoor non-athletic instructional classes in arts, education & life sciences for persons 18 years and older
• Indoor recreational and athletic facilities (except for youth 18 and under), indoor pools may remain open for all ages under pre-registration format structure limited to one person per swim lane
• Indoor recreational venues with potential for low-contact (for example, ax throwing, rock-climbing, etc.)

Remaining closed or restricted (as Somerville has had existing additional phase restrictions in place)

• Outdoor theaters and outdoor performance venues
• Indoor theaters, arenas, and performance venues, including concert halls
• Museums
• Movie theaters
• Indoor live theaters
• Bowling facilities, arcades, and gaming spaces
• Indoor event spaces (meeting rooms, ballrooms, private party rooms, social clubs)
• Existing limits to pool usage remain in place

Open

• Office spaces may remain open at 25 percent capacity. Employers are strongly encouraged to allow employees to work from home as much as possible.
• Indoor dining in restaurants may remain in operation with restricted bar seating. Ancillary activities such as pool tables, darts, trivia, etc. remain prohibited. Bar seating remains closed.
• Existing restrictions, plans and safety plans remain in place for post-secondary, higher ed/ and vocational-tech/trade/occupational schools.
• Outdoor event spaces may be used for gatherings and celebrations under the Somerville current 10-person capacity limit.
• Motion picture, television and streaming production may continue to operate.