Mayor Marty Walsh wears a mask after speaking during a media availability outside City Hall to discuss updates relating to COVID-19 on April 5, 2020 in Boston, MA. (Staff Photo By Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON — Mayor Marty Walsh has announced new, stronger stay-at-home guidelines for Boston residents after the city’s total number of coronavirus cases reached 1,877 on Sunday.
Walsh said there were 259 new COVID-19 cases confirmed on Sunday, the largest single-day increase in Boston’s cases thus far during the coronavirus pandemic.
The mayor also confirmed two more coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the city’s total to 15.
According to Walsh, there has been an increase of 511 new COVID-19 cases, which represents 27% of Boston’s total cases.
“That’s what a surge looks like and we are still at the beginning of the surge,” Walsh said.
The new stay-at-home guidelines for Boston residents will go into effect on Monday and will stay in place until May 4, which is in line with Gov. Charlie Baker’s extension of the stay-at-home advisory for the entire state of Massachusetts.
First, Walsh asked residents to wear a cloth mask on their face while they are outside of their homes, in accordance with the new recommendation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The only exception is for front line workers, who have guidelines to wear medical, personal protection equipment while they are on the job.
Wearing a face covering will help reduce the risk of a person spreading the coronavirus, especially if they do not know they are sick.
“It’s important to understand that covering does not protect you from infection. Physical distancing is still 100% necessary,” Walsh said. “You need to keep at least 6 feet away from other people, even when you are wearing a face covering, but face coverings will help slow the spread of the virus.”
The face covering can be a scarf, bandanna or any other type of cloth and should cover the face and mouth.
Walsh said city employees will be provided with face masks and advice and resources will be provided to Boston residents who are looking to acquire one or make their own at home.
There is currently a volunteer-driven effort to make masks for medical workers during the COVID-19 crisis called the Boston Area Mask Initiative.
Secondly, Walsh and the Boston Public Health Commission are recommending a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for all city residents except those who are essential workers.
“That gives people a clear guideline to help them plan their day, make good choices and avoid crowded situations,” Walsh said. “We have seen too many unnecessary trips in the evening, and social distancing problems.”
Walsh recommends that people ordering food from a restaurant after 9 p.m. to utilize delivery services.
Finally, all recreational sports areas at Boston city parks, which include basketball, tennis and hockey courts have been closed.
Walsh said signs have been posted on all parks and playgrounds, while city workers are locking up or disabling equipment.
“People are continuing to gather, and we simply have to take that option away,” he said. “You will still have access to open space where you can practice physical distancing, or go for a walk or run, but no group activity should be taking place anywhere, and that includes fitness classes in open spaces.”
Walsh noted that police officers do have the power to disperse gatherings under Baker’s stay-at-home advisory. Police can also order people to vacate closed sections of parks and issue violations if necessary.
“It shouldn’t have to come to that,” Walsh said. “We are urging people to use common sense, so that police are not put in a position where they need to do this. Ultimately, this is about doing what we have to do, and what we have been doing, to get better.”
The mayor is also taking steps in his own building when it comes to improving social distancing.
Boston City Hall will only be open to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays until May 4. The only exception is this week, when the building will only be open to the public on Monday since this upcoming Friday is Good Friday, Walsh said.
Walsh said everyone entering Boston City Hall, including employees, will be subject for screening of COVID-19 symptoms, including elevated temperature.
The mayor said residents should only come into city hall for services that are not available over the phone or online, and must call ahead and schedule an appointment.
WCVB on Apr 5, 2020