As the weather improves, people flock outdoors despite stay-at-home advisory

BOSTON — Under Governor Baker’s orders, residents are asked to stay indoors in efforts to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

While that doesn’t mean you absolutely shouldn’t go outside, people flocking to the sunshine and nice weather are forgetting to practice social distancing.

After a frigid but not-so-snowy winter, Massachusetts residents were anxiously waiting for spring-like temperatures to come back so they could go back to practicing outdoor activities and enjoy the sunshine - plans dampened by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

As the virus continues to spread, government officials have asked people to refrain from having any kind of social gathering and to keep a distance of at least six feet from each other, but not everyone seems to be following these guidelines.

On Friday, as temperatures reached the 60′s in many places across the state, people who had been hunkered down inside the homes decided to enjoy the day outside. While most people said they were trying to practice social distancing, others at a couple of crowded spots admitted that was difficult to accomplish.

Boston’s Mayor Marty Walsh was not happy about it.

"The message is really clear: Stay at home, it will save lives if you stay at home,” said Walsh.

Walsh said he was upset people weren’t heeding the governor’s advisory to remain home.

“We have a stay at home advisory in place," said Walsh. "That means stay at home unless you absolutely must leave the house.”

Yet, around Boston and beyond people weren’t staying indoors. Walkers, joggers and those walking their dogs filled the paths around Jamaica Pond in Jamaica Plain. People enjoying the nice weather in Wollaston Beach were also not the minimum six feet apart.

“There’s more people here than I’ve seen anywhere else,” said Tom Lutz, at the pond. “People here do seem to be mindful of it and attempting to keep a distance.”

Walsh reiterated the importance of staying home, asking people to be mindful for those more at risk.

“This isn’t about you it’s about your fellow neighbor it’s about your friends, it’s about your family," said Walsh.

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