Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Boston

• Mayor Walsh announced that the Boston Marathon has been canceled as a mass participation road running event, but will instead be held as a virtual event. 
• The City of Boston has released a return to workplace framework for commercial spaces in the City. We're also planning to reimagine streets in Boston to better support local businesses and restaurants.

• The state released its reopening Massachusetts plan, with information on how and when different industries can reopen. 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.
• A Public Health Advisory for everyone in Boston, except essential workers, to stay at home from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. remains in effect. All residents and visitors to the City of Boston must practice social distancing.
• 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.
• All Massachusetts residents must wear a mask in public places when it is not possible to maintain proper social distance.
• 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 parks with recreational sports areas are closed, along with playgrounds and tot lots.
• 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.
• All Boston Public Library locations and 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 while riding the T.

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.