Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Boston

• Step 1 of Phase 3 will begin on Monday, July 6, except for Boston, where it will begin on Monday, July 13. An updated gathering advisory goes into effect on July 6 as well, except for in Boston, where it will take effect on July 13. We continue to update City-specific guidance for Boston on our reopening website.
• All City of Boston playgrounds and splash pads are open now with safety restrictions. City parks with recreational sports areas are closed.
• All Boston Public Library locations are closed. As of June 22, the Library will allow patrons to “order” items by placing a hold on them, then safely picking them up from select branches.
• The City will now permit any construction type that is allowed by the state, with the required COVID-19 Safety Affidavits and COVID-19 Safety Plans for permitted construction work in place.
• All Mass. residents over the age of two must wear a face covering or mask in public.
• There is now a "Safer at Home Advisory" in effect in Massachusetts. People over 65 and those with underlying health conditions should stay home, with the exception of essential trips for healthcare and groceries. Restrictions on gatherings of more than 10 people remain in effect.
• K-12 schools in Massachusetts and non-emergency childcare programs are closed through the end of the school year. We have free breakfast and lunch sites across the City for youth and teens.
• City Hall will only be open to the public on Tuesdays 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.
• Boston Centers for Youth & Families pools, gyms, and fitness centers are closed.
• The MBTA has reduced its services. All riders and employees are required to wear a face covering.

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.