City of Cambridge Extends Restrictions on Public Events and Announces Cambridge will Remain in Phase III, Step 2 of Commonwealth's Reopening Plan and Limit Gathering Sizes

The City of Cambridge announced today that it will not advance to Phase IV, Step 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan and will remain in Phase III, Step 2 until further notice. The City will also restrict gathering limits for event venues and in public settings to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Cambridge's new gathering limits are more restrictive than the Commonwealth. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

In addition, the City of Cambridge announced that it is extending the current prohibition on City-sponsored community events, events permitted for the use of City parks, or other City-sponsored public gatherings through May 31, 2021. The City has not permitted events or gatherings through its special events process since March 16, 2020 and is continuing this prohibition as part of its overall COVID-19 prevention strategies.

“The City’s team considers many factors when making decisions, including available science and local, regional, statewide, and national data trends. Remaining in Phase III, Step 2 is aligned with our ongoing strategy,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “If public health data trends shift, the City will reevaluate Cambridge’s reopening status, just as we have done throughout the pandemic. The City’s conservative approach to its phased reopening balances our efforts to minimize the public health impacts of COVID-19 with providing vital support to our residents and local business.”

Read full text of the City of Cambridge Temporary Emergency Order Delaying Phase IV, Step 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan and Concerning Gatherings in the City of Cambridge Issued on March 22, 2021.

Read full text of the Amended Temporary Emergency Restrictions on City Public Meetings, City Events, and City Permitted Events Due to COVID-19.

The Emergency Order issued by the City on February 26, 2021 prohibiting live musical performances at restaurants remains in place, and indoor performance venues eligible to open under Phase III, Step 2 will need approval from the City of Cambridge Inspectional Services Department prior to opening.

While the ongoing rollout of the Commonwealth’s vaccination plan is encouraging, 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.

It remains critical for the public to continue to wear high-quality and properly fitting face masks, practice social distancing, regularly wash hands, and limit the size of gatherings with people outside their immediate household.

Residents are reminded that the City of Cambridge provides free daily COVID-19 testing at various sites across the City.  Appointments and additional information about this program are available at www.cambridgema.gov/testing.To stay up-to-date for the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine from the City and the state, visit www.cambridgema.gov/vaccine.

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