City of Cambridge to Advance to Phase IV, Step 1 on May 6, 2021, and Relax Outdoor Mask Requirements, Effective April 30, 2021

The City of Cambridge today announced that the city will advance to Phase IV, Step 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan, as set forth in Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order No. 66 on May 6, 2021. The City has remained at a modified Phase III, Step 2 since March 22, 2021. Gathering limits in the city for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 outdoors on May 6, 2021, in accordance with Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order No. 63 as amended on March 22, 2021.

All businesses, organizations and activities in Cambridge that are identified as Phase IV, Step 1 enterprises and all gatherings shall continue to follow any and all orders, protocols or guidance pertaining to mitigating the spread of COVID-19 issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Cambridge, including its License Commission, Public Health, Public Works and Inspectional Services departments.

Additionally, on May 6, 2021, the City is rescinding its Emergency Order with additional requirements for Fitness Center and Health Club Operations, which has been in place since December 26, 2020. Fitness Centers and Health Clubs must continue to comply with all applicable sector-specific safety protocols.

Since early April, the city has experienced a sustained decline in the number of cases and hospitalizations and has maintained a low COVID-19 positivity rate. Cambridge’s percent positivity for the past two weeks is 0.44%. Additionally, as of the Commonwealth’s last reporting on April 29, 59% of Cambridge residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. The city will continue to closely monitor the public health data and the specific conditions in Cambridge and, as it has done throughout the pandemic, issue additional guidance or restrictions as needed. The City continues to offer its free COVID-19 testing program. 

Effective Friday, April 30, the City of Cambridge will align with Commonwealth’s updated Face Coverings Order with regards to outdoor mask wearing. All other provisions of the City’s Emergency Order on Wearing of Masks or Face Coverings remain in effect.

Under the City’s amended order, masks or face coverings will not be required outside in public spaces when individuals are able to remain at a safe distance (six feet) from others. Similar to Cambridge’s approach last summer, masks or face coverings may only be removed outside when six foot distancing is possible. Masks or face coverings are required at all times at indoor and outdoor venues and events, except when eating or drinking, and, in residential buildings of two or more units, masks are required prior to entering any common area. The City of Cambridge continues to require that employees of places of business may remove masks or cloth face coverings only when working alone in an individual office with a door closed or when working alone in an office suite with no other individuals present. Masks must be worn at all other times in places of business.

If public health metrics justify continued safe reopening in Cambridge, the City expects to more closely align future reopening decisions with Governor Baker’s April 27, 2021 announced plans for continued reopening but may do so on a delayed schedule. Any such plans will be announced and posted at www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.

View the City of Cambridge Order Rescinding the City's Emergency Orders Concerning: (1) Requirements for Fitness Center and Health Club Operations; (2) Advancing to Phase III, Step 2 of the Commonwealth's Reopening Plan with Certain Exceptions; and (3) Delaying Phase IV, Step 1 of the Commonwealth's Reopening Plan and Concerning Gatherings (PDF).

View the City of Cambridge Fourth Amended Temporary Emergency Order Amending Outdoor Mask Requirements and Requiring the Wearing of Masks in All Indoor Public Places, Businesses, and in Common Areas of Residential Buildings - Effective April 30, 2021 (PDF)