Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Boston

What you need to know:

• The City of Boston is now in a modified Phase 2, Step 2 of the Reopening Massachusetts plan. Given the high COVID-19 numbers we’re seeing, we are extending this pause for at least another three weeks, until January 27. Indoor gatherings are limited to 10 persons and outdoor gatherings are limited to 25, unless sector-specific guidance allows for other capacities. Businesses should check if their industries will be impacted by the changes on our reopening Boston page.
• Effective Saturday, December 26, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will temporarily reduce capacity and gathering limits across the state. Most industries will be subject to a 25-percent capacity limit, and gathering limits have been lowered (maximum 10 people inside, 25 outside).
• Boston Public Schools welcomed 1,700 more high-need students for in-person learning on Monday, December 14, at 28 schools. They join 200 students already learning in four schools. The majority of 
• On December 9, the state announced initial steps for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. You can find more information about the vaccine distribution timeline and safety in state's COVID-19 vaccine questions and answers. 
• On November 2, the state announced a series of targeted measures to disrupt the increasing trend of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, including a revised stay-at-home advisory, earlier closure of businesses, a revised face coverings order, and updated order restricting gatherings.
• City Hall is only open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you need to visit City Hall for essential services, you must make an appointment.
• Park facilities, including athletic fields, courts, splash pads, and playgrounds are open as part of the City of Boston’s Phase 3 reopening.
• We have free breakfast and lunch sites across the City for youth and teens through the Boston Eats program.
• Most Boston Public Library locations are available during limited hours for patrons to pick up items on hold. Patrons are also able to use computers at the Central Library, but are limited to six reserved slots and four walk ups per timeslot.
• Visit the MBTA's website for the latest public transit service updates.

For more recent City of Boston updates, view our COVID-19 timeline.

Since January, the Boston Public Health Commission and Boston EMS have taken extensive steps to prepare for a potential outbreak of COVID-19. BPHC and Boston EMS are trained to respond to infectious diseases. In the past, we have successfully stood up heightened awareness, monitoring and response approaches for SARS, MERS, and H1N1 flu. We will do the same for COVID-19.

BPHC is engaging in daily communications with the CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), City of Boston departments and other community partners to make sure we have the latest information on guidance, best practices and recommendations. BPHC will provide updated information on this website and on our social media channels as it becomes available.