Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Boston

What you need to know:

• On Friday, August 20, 2021, Mayor Kim Janey announced that face masks will be required in all indoor public settings in the City of Boston, as part of a Five-Point Plan for the COVID-19 Delta Variant. The public health order, issued by the Boston Public Health Commission, is effective at 8 a.m. on Friday, August 27, in the City of Boston.
• As of July 12, 2021, Boston City Hall is open to the public five days a week. Appointments are no longer needed for in-person services.
• The City of Boston has aligned with the state's reopening plan. All remaining COVID-19 restrictions for businesses were lifted on Saturday, May 29, 2021. The Commonwealth's State of Emergency ended on June 15.
• Youth 12 and older in Massachusetts are now eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, while everyone 18 and older can receive any COVID-19 vaccine. You can sign up to get vaccinated through the state's website, or visit our website for Boston vaccination sites.
• All Boston Public Library branch libraries not currently under reconstruction reopened for in-person services on June 14, 2021.
• Visit the MBTA's website for the latest public transit service updates.

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.