“MAPC applauds Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston for moving the city back to Phase 2.2 of the reopening plan. The rise in COVID cases, deaths, and hospitalizations demands swift action to reduce community spread, and Mayor Walsh is taking such action today. The decision to close business establishments, even temporarily, is by no means easy. These are difficult decisions that affect the lives of owners, employees, and customers. It is rendered more difficult due to the lack of federal support to ease the burden on employers and employees alike.

“But COVID 19 respects none of these difficulties. Until the vast majority of the public is vaccinated, state and local officials must take whatever actions they can to protect lives. That is what Mayor Walsh did this afternoon.

“We are pleased that several neighboring communities are joining Boston in taking these steps. Over the next several days and weeks, MAPC will work closely with other cities and towns, which require a little more time to make a decision on additional roll-backs. Communities might take different approaches based on local need. But their actions are clearly moving in the direction of "taking a pause" to enable the region to stop the spread of this deadly virus.

“Since no community is an island, MAPC urges Governor Baker to consider implementing these rollbacks, or a similar package of rollbacks, on a statewide basis. We also strongly urge Governor Baker and the Legislature to provide additional support to small businesses, their employees, and tenants facing eviction. Prompt passage of the Economic Development Bond Bill, a supplemental budget with additional support for small businesses, and specific resources to support restaurants and their employees are needed immediately, regardless of future rollbacks.

“Finally, we urge the US Congress to pass an additional and generous federal relief package as soon as possible. The delay in federal support has already lasted much too long, and we take comfort from the fact that every member of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation supports additional and immediate federal relief.”

Press Contact:

Amanda Linehan
Communications Director
Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
[email protected]