City of Cambridge Extends Rollback to a Modified Phase II, Step 2. City Buildings to Remain Closed to the Public until February 1, 2021

The City of Cambridge announced that it is extending its rollback to a modified Phase II, Step 2 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Massachusetts Plan until at least 12:00 a.m. on February 1, 2021, or until further modified, in an effort to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Cambridge.

Additionally, to ensure the safety of the public and City staff, in-person appointments at City buildings, including contactless holds pick-up at the Cambridge Public Library, will continue to be suspended until at least Monday, February 1, 2021 as well. While City buildings will remain closed to the public, City offices will be open, and many City services can be accessed online or over the telephone. A complete listing of City departments and contact information can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/hours.

As a reminder, the City of Cambridge Modified Phase II, Step 2 requires the following mandatory closures until 12:00 a.m. on February 1, 2021, or until further modified:

• Museums
• Indoor historic spaces/sites
• Movie theaters
• Sightseeing and other organized tours
• Indoor events spaces such as meeting rooms, ballrooms, and private party rooms
• Indoor recreational activities such as batting cages, driving ranges, go karts, bowling alleys, rock-climbing walls 

In Cambridge, the following Phase III, Step 1 sectors are still allowed to operate, in accordance with capacity limits set forth in Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order # 59, with additional City restrictions:

• Fitness centers and health clubs may only operate at 25% capacity and in accordance with the following requirements:
  • Locker room/changing room capacity at indoor fitness centers and health clubs shall be limited to 1 person per 200 square feet;
  • Customers of fitness centers and health clubs shall only utilize the facility for a ninety (90) minute time period, per day;
• Indoor recreational and athletic facilities for general use (not limited to youth programs) may only operate at 25% capacity.
  • Youth sports activities and programs are permitted in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Workplace Safety and Reopening Standards for Businesses and Other Entities Providing Youth and Adult Amateur Sports Activities – Phase III, Step 1, amended on December 9, 2020 and effective on December 13, 2020.
• Outdoor theatres and other outdoor performance venues not designated as Phase IV enterprises may continue to operate and do not have to close, however, may only operate with a capacity of twenty-five (25) people.
• Outdoor event spaces used for gatherings and celebrations including those in parks reservations, and other outdoor spaces not designated as Phase IV enterprises may continue to operate and do not have to close, however, may only operate with a capacity of twenty-five (25) people.
• Indoor non-athletic instructional classes art/education/life skills for persons 18 years or older may continue to operate and do not have to close, however, may only operate with a capacity of ten (10) people or at 25% capacity, whichever is less. 

As COVID-19 infections rise in Massachusetts and the region, the City of Cambridge will continue to take a cautious and measured approach to activities and industries permitted in Cambridge and will continue to closely monitor public health data as part of its decision-making process.

View full text of the City of Cambridge Order Extending Temporary Emergency Order Requiring a Modified Rollback to Phase II, Step 2 of Governor Baker’s Reopening Plan in the City of Cambridge that was issued on January 12, 2021.

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.