Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced Friday that despite promising trends in the number of infections and hospitalizations from COVID-19, all summer events that would involve crowds will not be able to take place.
Parades, large concerts, festivals and outdoor events will not be permitted at least through Labor Day, and organizers of any events that would normally bring crowds together should begin planning for alternatives, Walsh said.
“We are planning a healthy re-opening and an equitable recovery process as soon as the health data tells us it’s safe,” Walsh said. “But we do not envision at this point that it will make sense for large crowds to be in contact for any prolonged period of time.”
See all of our coronavirus coverage here.
Walsh said that includes the cancellation of annual live Boston Pops 4th of July performance. Instead, there will be a special virtual concert in honor of the city's medics and other front line workers.
Asked whether he thinks the Boston Red Sox will be able to play a home game this year, Walsh said he couldn't rule it out but that the scenario was not likely.
The mayor also urged the public to avoid visiting family they don’t already live with on Mother’s Day this weekend.
“Sunday is another tough day for us to stay apart,” Walsh said. “But if you don’t live in the same household we need you to avoid contact.”
Walsh said he will be refraining from his own annual tradition of visiting with his own mother, but that he’ll be speaking with her by phone. Walsh encouraged residents to find creative ways to connect with their own mothers that don’t involve physical contact or proximity.
The mayor also said the city will be awarding more than $800,000 in grants from a separate, city-funded rental assistance program to more than 300 families temporarily unable to pay their rent.
