COVID-19 in Boston

Stay Up to Date on Your Vaccinations:

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) recommends everyone aged 6 months and older be vaccinated and boosted with their COVID-19 vaccines when eligible.

Know When to Mask:

BPHC strongly recommends wearing a mask while indoors, including when using public transportation, in government buildings, and in crowded outdoor venues. Masking is especially important for those who are at higher risk for severe illness, such as people who are not fully vaccinated, seniors, and those who are immunocompromised. 

Get Tested:

Get tested If you have COVID-19 symptoms, were exposed to COVID-19, and before and after large gatherings and travel. If you test positive, contact your doctor right away to see if early treatments are an option for you. Learn more about what to do if you test positive.

Gather Outdoors or have Good Indoor Ventilation:

When weather allows, increase fresh outdoor air by opening windows and doors. This is especially important for public spaces that serve a high number of patrons.

Stay Home If You Are Sick:

If you are feeling sick, please stay home to prevent further spread to those around you. Get tested, and if you test positive, call your doctor right away. Learn more about treatment options for COVID-19. 

Wearing a well-fitting mask minimizes your likelihood of contracting and spreading the virus. BPHC strongly recommends wearing a mask: 

• When you are indoors, including when using public transportation, in government buildings, and in crowded outdoor venues. 
• If you are at higher risk for severe illness, such as people who are not fully vaccinated, seniors, and those who are immunocompromised.  
• If you are around those who may be at high risk for severe COVID-19, especially if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 recently. 

Choose a mask that fits snugly against your nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Due to the more transmissible omicron variant, consider wearing a disposable surgical mask, or if you will be in close contact with the public, a KN95 mask.

If you test positive for COVID-19, early treatments that prevent severe illness and hospitalization may be an option for you. Options include: 

• The state’s in-home COVID-19 Treatment Program.
• ​​Free telehealth appointments for treatment with Paxlovid for individuals 18 or older living in Massachusetts who are positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms. Telehealth is a quick and easy way to see if Paxlovid, a COVID-19 treatment pill taken, is right for you. If it is, you can pick it up at your local pharmacy or free overnight delivery will be arranged.
• Call Gothams’ COVID-19 Self-Referral Treatment Line (508-213-1380) to speak with a representative about scheduling an infusion appointment at one of their seven sites in Massachusetts, if you are eligible. This line is open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• View a map of all locations offering antiviral pills and monoclonal antibody treatment.