Mayor Walsh Updates Boston’s Coronavirus Response

Mayor Marty Walsh took questions from local press on Tuesday afternoon in front of City Hall. Here’s a breakdown of what was discussed:

Boston Marathon

One of the biggest question was will the Boston Marathon be canceled.  As of now, it will not be canceled but Mayor Walsh used the word “fluid” when it comes to making decisions about the coronavirus situation.  He also added that he would rather see the Boston Marathon be postponed and not canceled.

How many cases are there in Boston

As of March 10, 2020, there has been one confirmed case of COVID-19 in a Boston resident and 18 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Boston residents. The CDC is currently testing to confirm these 18 cases. BPHC will be providing additional information as it is received from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

BPS Students

Mayor Walsh has been in contact with BPS superintendent Brenda Casel and all schools are being routinely cleaned.  There is also plenty of hand sanitizer and soap at all BPS schools and students are encouraged to wash their hands.  As of now, schools will not be canceled but it’s still a “fluid” situation.  Children’s safety is being closely monitored. If school gets canceled, the city will be working closely with food pantries to make sure kids who depend on school meals are still getting fed.

Sporting Events

As of now all sporting events are going on as scheduled. TD garden is cleaning – no guests/outside visitors allowed in locker rooms

Traveling

he City of Boston has issued a travel ban to level 2 and level 3 countries.  If you travel to one of those countries, you are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.  Here’s a helpful travel guide. 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

When asked about the cancelation of St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the economic impact, Mayor Walsh encouraged residents to understand that his job is to keep the people safe.

Homeless Residents

The city has been working closely with the public health commission into planning for mini-shelters so there are not hundreds of people together in larger shelters.

Again, the coronavirus is a very fluid situation and we expect lots of updates.  Stay tuned.  And continue to wash your hands (often).  The City of Boston has a helpful guide here.