FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Frustration has only grown for people living in the areas labeled as “red zones” by the Department of Public Health as Governor Baker announced Mass. would be moving on to Step 2 of Phase 3 of reopening the state.
“Our sales are down 75%,” said Bobby Puntier from Intense Blends.
Puntier says his business may not be looking up anytime soon due to the health restrictions in place.
“Seems very unfair, certainly don’t agree,” said Puntier.
And the frustration is only growing.
When it comes to the state’s COVID-19 risk zone map, Framingham is in the red and neighboring Natick is in the green. Red means a certain area has a high concentration of COVID-19 cases, yellow means the infection rate is slowly getting better and green means you’re in the clear.
“It’s based on our demographics. Different jobs, essential workers that we have,” said Jose Medina, General Manager Evolve Fitness in Framingham.
The city is also home to Framingham State University.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Natick, things are about to look a lot different starting Monday, Oct. 5th.
It’s 35,000 residents will enjoy moving forward to Step 2 of Phase 3 in the state’s reopening plan.
- Cities and towns deemed low risk for COVID-19 will soon be allowed to open for indoor performance venues with up to 50% capacity - permitting a maximum of 250 people.
- Outdoor performance venues will increase to 50% capacity, with a maximum of 250 people.
Libraries, indoor and outdoor recreational activities and fitting rooms in all types of retail stores can also reopen.
Going back to areas like Framingham, while they remain in the red, businesses owners say they are doing anything to survive.
“We have been struggling, we are trying to make the best we can with it,” said Medina.
“I think it’s time to start lifting some restrictions, I think we are long overdue,” said Puntier.
Framingham will have to wait for now. Meanwhile tonight, Baker says that, if a city or town goes back into the high risk category, they will have to revert back to the restricted guide lines.
Baker said contact tracing is key locally right now.
In the state there are about 1,900 contact tracers who calling and checking on people. Those contact tracers will be calling people who tested positive for the virus within 24 hours. For the last 2 months contact tracers have been working even longer hours as students are heading back to college.
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