Amid Increase in COVID-19 Cases, BPHC Recommends Precautions

"With COVID-19 cases rising, we are urging all Bostonians to take extra precautions to protect yourselves, your family, and our community. If you are feeling unwell, get tested at one of our free City sites or take a rapid test. It's also important to stay up to date on your vaccinations," said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. "We are recommending that individuals protect themselves and others by masking indoors, particularly in crowded places. These precautions are how we protect the progress we've made in our community."

BPHC is encouraging residents to get tested for COVID-19. Testing is an effective prevention and mitigation strategy that can help protect yourself and others. Individuals should test before going to large indoor gatherings or visiting people who are at high risk for severe disease from COVID-19.  If you are sick, have been exposed to COVID-19, or recently attended a large gathering, BPHC continues to recommend getting tested. BPHC supports free walk-in testing sites all around the city. For more information about where to find a test, visit boston.gov/covid19-testing. At-home rapid testing kits are also available for purchase throughout Boston.  

Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and staying up to date with boosters reduces the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 infection, severe illness, and hospitalization. Boosting is critical to avoid waning immunity. Citywide, approximately 73% of Boston residents are fully vaccinated and 53% of those who are fully vaccinated have been boosted. Everyone 12 and older who completed their primary vaccination series at least 5 months ago is encouraged to obtain a booster shot. Second boosters are available for individuals who are age 50 or older or anyone 12 or older who has an underlying health condition that compromises their immune system who received their first booster at least 4 months ago. Free COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics are open across the city, with both walk-in and by appointment options available. Visit boston.gov/covid19-vaccine to find a vaccine clinic.

BPHC is renewing its recommendation that masks be worn in indoor public settings, including public transportation and transportation hubs, government buildings, and crowded indoor venues. The recommendation is especially important for those who are at high risk for severe illness or who live with someone who is high risk.



COVID-19 cases have increased by 65% in the past two weeks and community positivity has climbed to 6.9% after being as low as 2.2% in early March. The amount of COVID-19 particles in local wastewater samples has increased by 109% over a 14-day period, suggesting that cases could continue to rise in the coming weeks. New hospitalizations have also slowly risen during this time period. With higher transmission levels, wearing a mask can prevent individuals from getting sick, testing can help stop the spread of COVID-19, and vaccination with boosting reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.