Mayor Marty Walsh addressed the media on Thursday, April 2, 2020 outside of Boston City Hall

Key takeaways:

-1,233 cases in Boston, 106 full recoveries, 10 deaths in Boston.

-Boston Convention Center in South Boston being re-designated to be field hospital of 1,000 beds – 500 beds for homeless, 500 beds for spillover from hospitals. RFP out for an operator to help with care here.

-Mayor thanks Governor Baker and Kraft family for shipment of new PPE equipment.

-3 million dollars identified by the City for rent assistance.

-2 million dollars identified for small business relief for those effected.

-Mayor states that next 2 to 3 weeks will be critical. Physical distancing is needed more than ever. New signage will go up to this effect – including digital and print billboards.

-Warm weather coming – please do not congregate in groups during this time. Mayor does not want to fine people but will take stronger action if needed.

On Tuesday, March 31, Governor Baker extended his emergency order requiring all non-essential businesses to close their physical workplaces until Monday, May 4. The order still limits gatherings to 10 people.

On Monday, March 30, Mayor Walsh announced that a new partnership will help create subsidized housing for 1,000 Boston Public Schools families at risk of displacement and experiencing homelessness. The City released a comprehensive plan for those experiencing homelessness in Boston during the public health emergency.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Governor Baker issued an emergency order extending the closure of all Massachusetts public and private schools until May 4. With Boston Public Schoolsclosed 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 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 we encourage everyone to practice social distancing.
• 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.
• The City is suspending all regular activity at construction sites in Boston.
• The MBTA is reducing its services. Visit the MBTA website for more details.

LATEST MASS. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH NUMBERS

BOSTON: 1,233 CONFIRMED CASES (106 RECOVERED AND 10 DEATHS)

As of Thursday, April 2

MASSACHUSETTS: 7,738 CONFIRMED CASES

As of Wednesday, April 1