Stricter measures in place for social, physical distancing in the city of Boston
In an effort to curb the anticipated peak of COVID-19 in the coming days, Mayor Martin Walsh today announced strict new measures for social and physical distancing for residents in the City of Boston.
As of Sunday, April 5, there are 1,877 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Boston residents, representing an increase of 259 cases from the previous day. Public health modeling indicates that Boston is only 11 days away from peak demand for hospital resources, an estimate that emphasizes the critical need to flatten the curve immediately.
Social and physical distancing remain the primary strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The new measures that Mayor Walsh is putting into place strengthen the guidance previously issued around social and physical distancing, which include staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of six feet or more from others.
These new measures will be effective on Monday, April 6, through Monday, May 4, 2020, and include:
- We’re 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 of Boston parks with recreational sports areas.
Effective Tuesday, April 7, the following restrictions will be in place for city-owned buildings:
- 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.
- Public access to 1010 Mass. Ave. will be limited to the Public Health Commission on the 2nd Floor. Residents must be accompanied when entering the building.
To learn more, you can watch the Mayor’s press conference or read about the new stricter measures online. If you have more questions, or want to learn about City COVID-19 programs, please visit our COVID-19 website or call 3-1-1, Boston’s 24-hour constituent hotline. You can text BOSCOVID to 99411 to receive text alerts on a regular basis, available in six languages.
