Coronavirus Live Blog
On March 10th, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker declared a State of Emergency in Massachusetts with regards to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). We have set up this live blog, as well as resources in our Coronavirus Update Portal to keep you informed as this pandemic continues here in New England, and around the globe.
- Latest Number of Cases Nationwide (CDC)
- Massachusetts Emergency Task Force on Coronavirus
- New Hampshire Dept. of Health & Human Services COVID-19
- Rhode Island Department of Health COVID-19
- Operation Gift Card: New England
- Donate to Healthcare Heroes benefitting Mass General
Monday, May 4th
Sunday, May 3rd
#BREAKING: NY, NJ, CT, PA, DE, RI and MA are launching a regional purchasing consortium to jointly procure PPE, tests, ventilators and other medical equipment.
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 3, 2020
This will increase our market power and help prevent price-gouging.
States are stronger when we work together.
Saturday, May 2nd
JUST IN: @MassDPH announces 158 more deaths and 1,824 new cases of #coronavirus in Massachusetts since yesterday.
— Julianne Lima (@JulianneLimaTV) May 3, 2020
New totals:
▪️4,004 deaths
▪️68,087 cases
FULL DETAILS ⬇️https://t.co/wTI93Ob9St@boston25 pic.twitter.com/l9VD5NoNfG
Friday, May 1st
- Governor Baker Orders All Massachusetts Residents To Wear Masks in Public
- Worcester Walmart Closes After 23 Employees Test Positive
- New Hampshire Gov. Sununu Allowing Hair Salons, Golf Courses, and Retail Stores To Open May 11
- Pan-Mass Challenge Transforming Ride Into Interactive Experience Due To COVID-19
Thursday, April 30th
COVID-19 cases:
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) April 30, 2020
Boston: 9,055
MA: 60,265
US: 1,005,147
I want to remind everyone that behind each case number is a person, with a family. They are our neighbors, and we must ACT to protect them and others by #physicaldistancing and #stayinghome.
Starting immediately, passengers will be required to use appropriate face coverings while on board SSA vessels. Any passengers who do not will be directed to sit outside or to another appropriate area.
— Steamship Authority (@SteamshipMA) April 30, 2020
Read more here: https://t.co/jBCBCBKQMS
Wednesday, April 29th
- Oxford University’s Coronavirus Vaccine Could Be Available As Soon As September
- CDC’s Social Distancing Guidelines Now Includes Pets
- Dr. Anthony Fauci Casts Doubt On Sports Returning This Season
- Ticketmaster Issuing Refunds on Select Postponed, Rescheduled Shows Due to Coronavirus
Learn more from @MassDPH about why it's important to cover your face when out in public, to help slow the spread of #COVID19MA.
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) April 29, 2020
MORE: https://t.co/oQ4tTweYYf pic.twitter.com/H93rHITfoA
Tuesday, April 28th
- Massachusetts Governor Baker Extends Closures Until May 18th
- Cambridge & Somerville Order Masks in Public, $300 Fine For Non-Compliance
- Study: Massachusetts #1 for Coronavirus Support
Monday, April 27th
Sunday, April 26th
Saturday, April 25th
Friday, April 24th
After careful consideration, the Cape Cod Baseball League Executive Committee has voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 season. For more info: https://t.co/UTtMBoM87h
— Cape League (@OfficialCCBL) April 24, 2020
Thursday, April 23rd
I’m grateful to the nurses and frontline staff who took care of him, but it’s hard to know that there was no family to hold his hand or to say “I love you” one more time—and no funeral for those of us who loved him to hold each other close. I'll miss you dearly my brother. pic.twitter.com/oOG6HArEL6
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 23, 2020
Wednesday, April 22nd
Tuesday, April 21st
- Non-Emergency Daycares to Remain Shuttered Until June 29th, per Governor Baker
- Massachusetts Closes Physical Schools For Rest Of Academic Year
- Everett Requiring Masks in Public
Monday, April 20th
- Governor Baker Signs Moratorium On Evictions During Pandemic
- Boston Releases Testing Site Map
- New Unemployment Benefits Available in Mass. for Gig Workers & Self-Employed
Sunday, April 19th
- Massachusetts Now At Center of National COVID-19 Outbreak
- Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing Now Open in Chestnut Hill
- NY Governor Cuomo Says He’ll Send 400 Ventilators to Mass If Needed
Saturday, April 18th
- Brockton Starts Coronavirus Curfew Tonight 9pm-6am Except For Those Providing Essential Services
Friday, April 17th
Thursday, April 16th
Wednesday, April 15th
- Massachusetts Now Releasing Number of COVID-19 cases by City & Town
- Boston Red Sox Announce Emergency Hardship Fund
- Attorney General Maura Healey Announced Website for Front Line Workers
At today's #COVID19MA update, @MassHHS Sec. Sudders and I outlined comprehensive steps our administration is taking to support nursing homes, which as we know are at higher risk for an outbreak of COVID-19.
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) April 15, 2020
These include:
➡️$130 million in new funding
➡️Expanded mobile testing pic.twitter.com/jqFqiu9FUL
Tuesday, April 14th
- Two more field hospitals have opened at UMass campuses in Lowell & Dartmouth
- Massachusetts Lottery Sales Down due to coronavirus
Monday, April 13th
Families with loved ones in nursing homes in Massachusetts can use this new hotline to get information and resources, coordinated across state agencies. Call anytime, 9am-5pm, 7 days a week.
— Mass. Public Health (@MassDPH) April 13, 2020
📞: 617-660-5399
@MassHHS @Mass_EOEA #covid19MA pic.twitter.com/MD1myzW6PP
Sunday, April 12th
- Lynn starts 9pm curfew for all non-essential residents
On nice days like this, many people want to visit @BostonParksDept, but to reduce the spread of #COVID19 in #Boston, we’ve made parks ONLY open for passive recreation like running and biking. pic.twitter.com/xuYEuM8rL9
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) April 12, 2020
Saturday, April 11th
- Governor Charlie Baker announces new Spanish language unemployment form
Today, our administration announced a new Spanish-language form for unemployment assistance, part of our commitment to ensure COVID-19 resources and services are available to all communities.
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) April 11, 2020
➡️More details: https://t.co/R8emkgccds#COVID19MAhttps://t.co/5EIAXDs3rp
As we take daily steps to prevent over-capacity at hospitals, we also have to be prepared if this happens. The BCEC will now temporarily function as the Boston Hope Medical Center, with 1,000 beds for COVID-19 patients. #BostonHope #BostonStrong pic.twitter.com/xABBrdbwPv
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) April 11, 2020
Friday, April 10th
- Massachusetts Governor Baker recommends masks when going out in public
- Grocery/supermarket workers now eligible for first responder test sites
We want to thank our riders for doing their part & limiting travel to only essential trips. We continue to expand our efforts & enhance our protocols to better protect our employees & riders. As always, we will update you with messages from GM @spoftak & welcome your comments. pic.twitter.com/TcxIcRMW6W
— MBTA (@MBTA) April 10, 2020
Thursday, April 9th
Other announcements from today's #COVID19MA update:
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) April 9, 2020
➡️Having received key federal CARES Act guidance, @MassLWD is moving to add $600/week to eligible unemployment benefits
➡️@MassLtGov outlined key domestic violence and sexual assault resources
🔗MORE: https://t.co/mrpSqXRCqp pic.twitter.com/V7OBaQO9Hd
Wednesday, April 8th
- Massachusetts Grocery Stores Limited to 40% capacity, per state
The 2020 Boston Pops spring season, scheduled for May 16 – June 13, has been cancelled due to ongoing concerns over the spread of COVID-19. More details: https://t.co/wAwqMi8Jjp
— Boston Pops (@TheBostonPops) April 8, 2020
Watch a special message from Maestro Lockhart: https://t.co/JHFsrzNMq3 pic.twitter.com/aypIRW0KnV
Tuesday, April 7th
- Boston Pride Postponing 50th anniversary celebration until 2021
- Boston Mayor Marty Walsh Says Parking Tickets for healthcare workers will be waived
Monday, April 6th
Sunday, April 5th
We are issuing a public health advisory in the @CityofBoston to everyone except essential workers to STAY AT HOME from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., starting tomorrow April 6. pic.twitter.com/mLIaj8nkRS
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) April 5, 2020
Saturday, April 4th
#RIGHTNOW: @VP Mike Pence says the federal government is sending 100 ventilators to MA to help fight #COVID19 #Boston25 pic.twitter.com/WDzE0cvpX4
— Nicole Oliverio (@NicoleOliverio) April 4, 2020
Friday, April 3rd
- Governor Baker Signs Bill Allowing Some Restaurants to Deliver Beer & Wine with Orders
- President Trump Announces New Face Mask Recommendations
Thursday, April 2nd
- Patriot Team Plane Delivers 1 Million Masks to Healthcare Workers
- Worcester Red Sox Halt Construction on Polar Park
Wednesday, April 1st
- MBTA Starts Temperature Checks on Employees
- Boston Athletic Association Offers Refunds for Boston Marathon Runners
- Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick Offers Words on COVID-19
The new Field Medical Station that we are launching at the @DCUCenter will be able to accommodate as many as 250 beds and will help us build out health care surge capacity as we confront the outbreak of COVID-19.
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) April 1, 2020
🔗MORE: https://t.co/9EkfQxetpS pic.twitter.com/jKemxMMeIW
- Marcus Smart Donating Blood Plasma For Coronavirus Research
- COSTCO & Home Depot Limit Number of Shoppers in Stores Nationwide
In Boston, residents are staying home to protect their friends, family, healthcare workers, first responders and the most vulnerable. By staying home, you're helping us #FlattenTheCurve to stop the spread of #COVID19.
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) April 1, 2020
Share who you stay home for.#IStayHomeFor #BosStayHome pic.twitter.com/qOYpfZwV6n
Tuesday, March 31st
- Governor Baker Extends Stay At Home Advisory to May 4th
- Gronk & Camille Donate 10,000 Masks to Boston Medical Center
- Boston Calling Cancels 2020 Festival
- Six Flags New England Delays 2020 Opening
Monday, March 30th
Corona Free as of two days ago. Cleared by Mass Dept of Health.
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) March 30, 2020
Thanks for everyone’s thoughts and prayers and I’m doing the same for everyone that’s been effected by this. Stay safe and stay together- apart!
Much love!
Sunday, March 29th
As a City, we are committed to protecting all of our residents, including those experiencing homelessness, during the #COVID19 public health emergency. The @CityofBoston will provide 240 new beds for individuals experiencing homelessness during this crisis, with more to come.
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) March 29, 2020
It’s ok to kick a ball around with members of your immediate family. But please, no group sports where you will come into contact with others. #PhysicalDistancing #StayHomeSaveLives
— Boston Parks and Recreation Department (@BostonParksDept) March 29, 2020
🚫pickup 🏀
🚫 team ⚽️
🚫 🎾 matches
🚫 street 🏒
🚫 pickleballhttps://t.co/f8E719rZnI
Saturday, March 28th
- Gov. Baker: Blood donations are ‘essential’ and ‘save lives’ amid coronavirus outbreak
- Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration In Massachusetts For Coronavirus
Friday, March 27th
- Governor Baker Says All Travelers to Massachusetts Need To Self Quarantine for 14 days
- Massachusetts Extends Tax Filing Deadline to July 15th
- Boston Archdiocese Says Catholics Allowed to Eat Meat During Lent Due to COVID-19
- Rhode Island State Police Pulling Over New York Drivers, Requiring Self Quarantine
- United States Now Has Most Coronavirus Cases In The World
- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Tests Positive for COVID-19
- Massachusetts Medical Schools Licensing Students Early To Fight Coronavirus
Today @marty_walsh announced some parking policy changes to help residents, small businesses and medical professionals during the Covid-19 emergency. https://t.co/FWluhMcdqS
— BostonTransportation (@BostonBTD) March 26, 2020
Thursday, March 26th
THREAD: Today, I announced that the State of New Hampshire will be issuing a Stay-at-Home order and directing all non-essential businesses that have not already voluntarily closed to end in-person and public-interacting operations by 11:59 PM tomorrow, March 27, 2020. pic.twitter.com/wLO7KZB2hj
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) March 26, 2020
**EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS**
— Brief19, your daily roundup of SARS-CoV-2. (@Brief_19) March 26, 2020
Massachusetts becomes the first state to ask all medical schools to graduate all 4th year students early, all deans on board. pic.twitter.com/9cyRAVknM5
Wednesday, March 25th
- Massachusetts temporarily lifts ban on plastic grocery bags, prohibits stores from charging for bags
- Governor Baker Orders Schools Closed Until At Least May 4th
- Boston Mayor Marty Walsh Temporarily Lifts Plastic Bag Ban for Restaurants/Businesses
- NHL Reportedly Looking at Hockey in August
- Red Sox Minor Leaguer Tests Positive for COVID-19
Do you have supplies you'd like to donate to our first responders and public health partners who are on the front lines of the #COVID19 response? Visit: https://t.co/p3PgzPOuai and thank you for your generosity. pic.twitter.com/uoIY0vXlhM
— Boston Public Health Commission (@HealthyBoston) March 25, 2020
Tuesday, March 24th
Today we're introducing another way that you can stay connected and informed during the #COVID19 outbreak.
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) March 24, 2020
➡️📱Text "COVIDMA" to 888-777 to receive COVID-19 text message alerts straight to your phone and stay up to date with the latest news + updates from the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/Tof5DRokRQ
➡️@MassDPH has made 89 deliveries of Strategic National Stockpile assets to health care facilities across the state.
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) March 24, 2020
Over 750,000 masks, face shields, gowns + pairs of gloves have been delivered to MA from the national stockpile.
▶️FULL UPDATE from today https://t.co/YNGob6Sqyk pic.twitter.com/3HjXCQhkr0
Monday, March 23rd
- Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker Orders all non-essential businesses to close their physical locations from noon on March 24th until April 7th, 2020
- CVS Set To Hire 50,000 And Give Bonuses To Employees Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
- MBTA Announces Early Trains for Medical Workers
In just over a week, the Boston Resiliency Fund has raised over $17 million thanks to generous donations. We are almost at our goal of $20 million, which will support affected community members in our city. To learn more, please visit: https://t.co/lh29pr6scE pic.twitter.com/RJrE2R1bFy
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) March 24, 2020
Sunday, March 22nd
- Shaw’s & Star Markets Installing Plexiglass Dividers on Checkout Stands
- Harvey Weinstein Tests Positive for COVID-19
I am deeply saddened to learn of our first Boston resident, a man in his 90’s, to pass from COVID-19.
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) March 22, 2020
Saturday, March 21st
- Bruins Announce Plans To Assist Part-Time Workers
- Governor Baker Announces Emergency Drop-In Child Care Locations
The Nantucket Select Board & @ackhealthdept Dir. w endorsement by Board of Health have voted to issue a Stay at Home Order (aka “Shelter in Place Order”), effective 3/23 @ 5:00 PM through 4/6. go to https://t.co/RQ8xoBWrcB for full press release & FAQs #StayAtHome pic.twitter.com/ecPn8wKhQa
— Town of Nantucket (@TownofNantucket) March 22, 2020
Friday, March 20th
- Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker shoots down rumors, say NO PLANS for shelter in place orders in the Bay State at this time.
- Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo reiterates she has no plan to institute a shelter in place order in the Ocean State at this time.
#BREAKING: State health officials confirm the first coronavirus-related death in Massachusetts.
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) March 20, 2020
More coronavirus coverage here --> https://t.co/04wl2Z8HJJ pic.twitter.com/wDit4oDjTV
- State Department Issues Highest Alert, Warns US Citizens Not To Travel
- Mass. AG warns against coronavirus-related scams
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health reminds us to stop the spread of germs
There are several scams coming out in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities are not going to houses to test citizens, there is no cure at this time to buy, and no one is calling and taking payments for testing. Contact 2-1-1 if you have any COVID-19 questions pic.twitter.com/MPflgs2Ewe
— ROCCC 911 Dispatch (@ROCCC911) March 20, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhUpkGxyjS4&feature=youtu.be
Thursday, March 19th
- Celtics guard Marcus Smart Tests Positive for COVID-19
- President Trump Promises “Immediate Relief to Renters and Homeowners”
Activating @TheNationsFirst will support our efforts to keep residents safe + secure during the #COVID19 outbreak. The expertise of the National Guard will benefit our communities with logistical support as we continue to respond to this crisis
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) March 19, 2020
🔗DETAILS: https://t.co/ApkOtaEuYZ pic.twitter.com/JEURrQICtV
Wednesday, March 18th
- MBTA Adjusts Schedule to Combat COVID-19
- Market Basket Begins Senior Shopping Hours
- Massachusetts RMV Opens 8 of 30 centers until further notice
- Day Care Centers in Massachusetts ordered closed as of March 23rd
- Simon Malls Closing All Retail Properties Until March 29th
We’re so grateful for our associates and suppliers who are working diligently to provide communities with essential products. Read about our plans to close our stores at 6 p.m. daily and expand paid time off for associates. https://t.co/RPZP5eTbLk pic.twitter.com/zlhgTwV9Lq
— The Home Depot (@HomeDepot) March 18, 2020
Tuesday, March 17th
— RedCrossMA (@RedCrossMA) March 19, 2020
Monday, March 16th
- The MBTA has announced a reduced schedule until further notice starting March 17th
- Boston Mayor Walsh Announces “Boston Resiliency Fund” to support Boston residents most affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
- All Boston Public Library branches will close at 6pm on March 16th until further notice. Online services remain available.
Yesterday, I announced a public health emergency in the @CityofBoston.
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) March 16, 2020
This allows @HealthyBoston to increase the availability of staff and resources to allow for enhanced reporting, information and resources shared among Boston’s health and medical community. pic.twitter.com/ceQ2rrAmOe
- All regular work in construction projects has been halted in Boston. Emergency work is still allowed.
- Grocery retailer Stop & Shop has created special hours for customers 60 & older starting Thursday, March 19th. 6am-7:30am is limited to seniors over 60 years of age.
A note to our moviegoers. For more, visit https://t.co/6E3IgucGAN. pic.twitter.com/9TTGWbRSKG
— Showcase Cinemas US (@ShowcaseUS) March 16, 2020
Sunday, March 15th
- Governor Baker announces all Massachusetts schools will be closed from March 17th until April 7th.
- Dine-in meals prohibited in Massachusetts restaurants from March 17th – April 17th, 2020 (take-out and delivery are allowed)
- Gatherings with more than 25 people are prohibited in Massachusetts (excludes supermarkets & pharmacies)
- All commercial insurance providers must allow telehealth (phone & apps) for services
- New Hampshire Governor Sununu directs all schools in the Granite State to move to online learning models from March 16th – April 3rd, 2020
THREAD: Today I am directing all schools in New Hampshire to transition to remote learning effectively immediately. pic.twitter.com/VZwkEZjnld
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) March 15, 2020
- Boston Mayor Marty Walsh declares a Public Health Emergency
Effective today, we are declaring a Public Health Emergency in the @CityofBoston.
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) March 15, 2020
- South Boston bars and restaurants agree to voluntarily close
March 14th
- Governor Baker launches a command center for Coronavirus response in Massachusetts
- Boston Marathon Postponed to September 14, 2020
VOTE: Commissioners have voted unanimously to a temporary suspension of operations at @EncoreResortBH , @MGMSpringfield and @PlainridgePark. An expeditious and orderly shutdown process is underway. This decision will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Additional details to follow. pic.twitter.com/R4w9okXbVw
— MA Gaming Commission (@MassGamingComm) March 14, 2020
March 13th
- Governor Sununu declares State of Emergency in New Hampshire over COVID-19
- Archdiocese of Boston suspends all masses and religious services
As @GovRaimondo has just announced, April vacation for all Rhode Island public schools has been moved up to next week. All Rhode Island public schools will be closed next week, March 16-20.
— Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) (@RIDeptEd) March 13, 2020
https://t.co/z522Dw9hJ3 pic.twitter.com/88aFg4Euvp
— Bally's Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort (@BallysTwinRiver) March 14, 2020