As Massachusetts begins the first phase of gradually reopening the economy, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh expressed on Tuesday some unease with a few of the early steps being taken.
The state’s plan will allow Boston businesses that begin to reopen to bring back 25 percent of their workforce on June 1. Walsh, however, thinks that number may be too high.
“I’m personally not comfortable with the 25 number, to be quite honest with you, and we’re looking at it now,” Walsh said. “I think 25 percent the first day is too much.”
Boston has unique challenges as a densely populated city of 700,000 that doubles on a typical workday with the influx of employees commuting, the mayor said.
“We want to help employers create guidelines,” he said, pointing to shift scheduling, physical spacing and ventilation. “Reopening must only happen in a way that safe for you, your workers and your customers.”
Walsh called on employers not to force any employees to come into offices if they are able to work from home.
While Gov. Baker’s plan, which he announced yesterday, would allow places of worship to reopen this weekend, Walsh specifically cautioned elderly people to wait to attend services and asked religious leaders to convey this same message.
Source: WGBH