Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Boston

• On September 22, 2020, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts issued updates to the previously issued safety standards for restaurants during the COVID-19 public health emergency. On September 23, 2020, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced how these updates will be implemented for both indoor and outdoor dining in the City of Boston. These updated safety standards go into effect on September 28, 2020. 
• We are moving forward with a responsible, phased-in plan to start the Boston Public Schools year, with all students starting fully remote on September 21. The first students will not return to school until at least October 1.
• 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.
• Mayor Walsh has extended his executive order allowing plastic bags in Boston until September 30. With both the Boston Public Health Commission and Mass. Department of Public Health finding that reusable bags are safe amid COVID-19, residents can use them again while shopping in the City.
• Boston is in Step 1 of Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan. We continue to update City-specific guidance for Boston on our reopening website.
• Park facilities, including athletic fields, courts, splash pads, and playgrounds are open as part of the City of Boston’s Phase 3 reopening.
• We have free breakfast and lunch sites across the City for youth and teens through the Summer Eats program.
• All Boston Public Library locations are closed. Through the "BPL to GO" program, the Library will allows patrons to “order” items by placing a hold on them, then safely picking them up from select branches.
• 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.
• 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.