Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Boston
Published by:
Information is rapidly changing — we will update this page as new and relevant information becomes available.
On Thursday, April 9, Mayor Walsh announced a new mortgage relief partnership with 12 of the largest housing lenders in Boston to aid homeowners during the pandemic. The City secured 334 dedicated beds to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among Boston's first responders, shelter staff, and veterans living in group homes. Mayor Walsh also created a COVID-19 Health Inequities Task Force to provide guidance on addressing current inequities for Blacks, Latinos, Asians, and immigrants.
On Tuesday, April 7, Mayor Walsh and the Transportation Department announced ticket amnesty for healthcare workers during the public health emergency. In addition, we have launched a new mapping tool for healthcare workers to find parking spaces in Boston.
On Sunday, April 5, Mayor Walsh announced strict new measures for social and physical distancing for Boston residents, effective Monday, April 6, through Monday, May 4, 2020:
- The City is encouraging everyone to wear a face covering over their mouth and nose when in public.
- The Boston Public Health Commission is issuing a Public Health Advisory for everyone in Boston except essential workers to stay at home from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day.
- We're closing City parks with recreational sports areas.
For more recent updates from the City of Boston, check our COVID-19 timeline.
What you need to know
- City Hall will only be open to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone entering City Hall, including employees, must complete a self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms. If you need to visit City Hall for essential services, you must make an appointment.
- Governor Baker issued an emergency order extending the closure of all Massachusetts public and private schools until May 4. We will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all Boston students. View a map of meal sites for children and youth.
- All City of Boston playgrounds and tot lots have been temporarily closed. Group sports activities on fields and courts are temporarily suspended. Parks will remain open for passive use, but please practice physical distancing.
- All Boston Public Library locations are closed until further notice.
- All Boston Centers for Youth & Families pools, gyms, and fitness centers are closed. All BCYF programming is suspended. Select BCYF centers will be open as youth meal sites.
- The City has suspended all regular activity at construction sites.
- The MBTA has reduced its services.
- As a result of COVID-19, many blood drives were canceled and there is a critical shortage. If you’re healthy and feeling well, consider making an appointment to donate blood.
Donations and relief funds
Boston Resiliency Fund
We're helping coordinate the City's fundraising efforts to support City of Boston residents most affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Rental Relief Fund
We're dedicating $3 million in City funds to help Boston residents at risk of losing their rental housing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Small Business Relief Fund
We established the Small Business Financial Relief Fund to help businesses most impacted by COVID-19. We want to provide immediate help and guidance.
Artist Relief Fund
The fund will award grants of $500 and $1,000 to individual artists who live in Boston whose creative practices and incomes are being adversely impacted by COVID-19.
Donate supplies to first responders
Help support of our first responders and public health partners as they work to combat COVID-19.
Maps
Meal sites for youth and children
With Boston Public Schools closed, we will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all Boston students.
Discounted garages for hospital staff in Boston
Some garages and lots in the City have been offering discounted parking for medical professionals.
Emergency childcare programs
Emergency programs are being made available to emergency workers on a limited basis who have no other option for childcare.
About our response
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.
We are confident the City of Boston will be ready for a safe and effective response as the situation develops.
The state of Massachusetts is updating information about COVID-19 cases and residents subject to quarantine in Massachusetts. Visit the MDPH webpage on COVID-19 quarantine and monitoring in the Commonwealth. The CDC is tracking confirmed cases across the United States. For the latest on case counts, visit the CDC's website on COVID-19.
City of boston Healthcare providers
Healthcare providers in Boston should immediately notify BPHC at 617-534-5611 if they suspect a patient is infected with COVID-19. Providers outside of Boston should contact MDPH at 617-983-6800. CDC has created criteria to guide evaluation of patients suspected to have COVID-19.
More resources
More resources- Boston Public Health Commission Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates
- Boston Public Health Commission face coverings information (pdf)
- Boston Public Health Commission common questions (pdf)
- Boston Public Health Commission cleaning tips (pdf)
- Boston Public Health Commission fact sheet (pdf)
- Boston Public Health Commission tips on coping with stress (pdf)
- Boston Public Health Commission COVID-19 PPE for frontline staff (pdf)
- Boston Public Health Commission COVID-19 poster
- Find a health center near you
- City of Boston Artist Relief Fund
- Inspectional Services tips on preventing the spread of coronavirus in food service establishments
- Mayor Walsh letter to landlords, realtors, and rental brokers
- Temporary parking enforcement changes
- Temporary guidance on City construction
- Boston Parks information
- Economic Development guidance
- Transportation Department updates
- Inspectional Services updates
- Message from Disabilities Commissioner
- Internet connectivity supports
- Licensing Board advisory on bars, restaurants, and nightclubs
- Veterans Services update
- Guide for Boston's immigrants
- Free Bluebikes offered to hospital staff
- Resources for those experiencing homelessness
- Food resources in Boston
- Rental Relief Fund
- Small Business Relief Fund
- Resources for youth virtual learning
- Veterans Services penpals program