Beverly Backs Off Easing Restaurant, Gathering Restrictions

BEVERLY, MA — Beverly is one of a handful of communities putting the breaks on eased restaurant and public gathering restrictions going into effect across the state on Monday.

The Beverly Board of Health passed a directive keeping the city in step 1 of phase 3 of the state's reopening — which allows for tables for 10 at restaurants, increases outdoor public gatherings to 100 people and opens additional businesses such as trampoline parks, roller rinks and laser tag venues.

Gov. Charlie Baker said last week that communities considered "low risk" could proceed with eased restrictions, but Beverly joined Salem and Cambridge as other lower-risk cities choosing to keep previous restrictions in place.

The decision comes despite Beverly having very low coronavirus rates. As of last week's state Department of Health report, Beverly had a test-positive rate of .16 percent — the statewide rate as of Sunday was 1.1 percent — with 1.6 cases per 100,000 residents.

The Board of Health cited, however, higher infection rates across Essex County compared to the rest of the state, rising infection statewide and concerns that higher coronavirus rates combined with the start of flu season could put a strain on medical facilities as reasons to push pause on the eased restrictions.

"It is the concern of the Board of Health that the daily infection rate in Essex County will continue to rise in the coming months, and appropriate action must be taken at this time to mitigate the risk of transmission and protect the health and safety of city residents and visitors through safety measures addressing commercial, recreational and social activities," the Board of Health said in its ordinance."

The ordinance remains in effect "until further notice."

The eased restrictions would have also opened gyms, museums and libraries to 50 percent of pre-pandemic levels and opened retail store fitting rooms.

More Patch Coverage: MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus Stats: 23 High-Risk Communities

MA Moves Ahead With Coronavirus Reopening: What You Need To Know