Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Boston

What you need to know:

• The City of Boston has moved into a modified Phase 4, Step 1 of the state’s reopening plan, effective Monday, March 22, 2021. We will not advance beyond the current reopening steps until the citywide testing positivity rate stays below 2.75 percent — as calculated by the Boston Public Health Commission — for two consecutive weeks. For more information, check our reopening Boston page.
• Outdoor dining for approved restaurants began in Boston on March 22. This is an earlier start than the previously-announced date of April 1. 
• We are currently in Phase 2 of the state's COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline. For the latest information on the state's vaccination program, check their vaccination website.
• Boston Public Schools recently released an updated timeline for reopening and phasing additional students to in-person learning.
• 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.
• 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 through the BPL to Go program.
• 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.