COVID-19 City of Boston Update 3-21-20
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 (formerly referred to as 2019 Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) is a new respiratory virus that was first identified in Wuhan, China in December of 2019.
As of March 20, 2020, there are 80 confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Boston residents. So far, 11 of these 80 residents have fully recovered. This situation is evolving rapidly and changes day to day. BPHC will be providing additional information on cases as it is received from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
On Friday, March 19, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission suspended all residential water service terminations. The commission is not adding delinquency charges to any late-paid bills during this time.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Today, Saturday March 21st, Mayor Walsh’s office is leading the effort on a City wide literature drop to inform residents at their homes of the latest updates. Information will be disseminated in 7 different languages and volunteers are helping out in all of Boston’s neighborhoods.
- All City of Boston playgrounds and tot lots have been temporarily closed. Parks will remain open for passive use, but we encourage everyone to practice social distancing while enjoying nature. Maintenance in our parks will continue.
- All Boston Public Schools are closed from March 17 through April 27. Read the press release. With schools closed to students, the City will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all Boston students. View a map of meal sites for children and youth.
- All Boston Public Library locations are closed until further notice.
- All Boston Centers for Youth & Families pools, gyms, and fitness centers are closed. By this Wednesday, March 18, all BCYF programming will be suspended. Only select BCYF centers will be open for youth meal distribution during school closures.
- Starting on March 17, the City is suspending all regular activity at construction sites in Boston.
- Starting on March 17, the MBTA is reducing its services. Visit the MBTA website for more details.
- Governor Baker issued an emergency order limiting gatherings to 25 people and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants, beginning on March 17 and effective through April 5. The Governor’s order will be in effect in Boston beginning March 17. Read the City of Boston Licensing Board advisory.
- The 2020 Boston Marathon has been postponed until Monday, September 14, 2020. For more information, please visit the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) website.
LATEST MASS. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH NUMBERS
BOSTON: 80 CASES (11 RECOVERED)
(Including presumptive and confirmed) As of Friday, March 20
MASSACHUSETTS: 413 CASES
(Including presumptive and confirmed) As of Friday, March 20
Have questions? Contact:
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-847-0710
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.
