Coronavirus In Massachusetts: Latest Developments
VACCINE INFORMATION: All Massachusetts residents age 5 and older are eligible to receive a COVID vaccine. Visit Mass.Gov/CovidVaccine to book an appointment or call the hotline at 211.
READ: Coronavirus in Massachusetts Daily Updates 2022
FRIDAY, December 31
• Cambridge schools closed Monday, January 3 and Tuesday January 4 for staff and student COVID testing.
• Jury trials paused in Massachusetts until January 31 due to COVID
• Massachusetts reports new record of 21,397 COVID cases, positivity rate also reaches new peak
• Rep. Ayanna Pressley tests positive for COVID-19
• State rejects Massachusetts Teachers Association's call to close schools Monday for COVID-19 testing
THURSDAY, December 30
• State announces test kits for school staff delayed, alternative plan developed
• Mass. reports 21,137 new COVID cases, a new single day record
• FDA expected to allow Pfizer booster shots for kids ages 12-to-15 soon
• Baker on intense demand for COVID-19 tests: "people are going to have to be patient"
• First Night Boston 2022 to have COVID-19 rapid test kits, vaccine and booster shot clinics
• Drivers wait hours in cars for COVID-19 tests in Brockton
• Johnson & Johnson booster protects people from severe illness from Omicron variant, studies say
• Norwood woman's infection a reminder rapid at-home tests may have reduced sensitivity
• Wellesley schools suspend winter sports due to rise in COVID-19 cases
WEDNESDAY, December 29
• Mass. reports 15,163 new COVID cases, a new single day record
• The state is sending 200,000 rapid tests to schools for teachers and staff ahead of the return from holiday break
• Worcester records more than 2,000 new COVID cases in past week
• Long waits in long lines for COVID-19 tests in Marlboro
TUESDAY, December 28
• Massachusetts surpasses 1 million COVID-19 cases with 9,228 new cases reported
• National Guard trains to help hospital staff
• UMass to require COVID-19 booster for students and staff on all five campuses
• Fenway Park COVID-19 booster site opening January 6
• Harvard limiting spectators at sporting events through January 23
MONDAY, December 27
• Massachusetts reports 12,983 new COVID cases over 3 days
• More flights canceled in Boston, around the country as Omicron causes airline staffing shortages
• CDC shortens recommended COVID isolation time to five days, down from 10 days
SUNDAY, December 26
• Boston College Football's Bowl Game, the Military Bowl, is canceled due to COVID issues on the team
• The Fenway Bowl is canceled due to a COVID spike within the University of Virginia football team
SATURDAY, December 25
• Hundreds more flights canceled due to Omicron, including at least 80 at Logan
FRIDAY, December 24
• Mass. reports 10,040 new COVID cases, 32 additional deaths
• Massachusetts State Police Union says its first trooper has been let go for not meeting Gov. Baker's COVID vaccine mandate
• Logan Airport had at least 35 cancellations and more than 100 delays as COVID hit airline crews
THURSDAY, December 23
• Massachusetts reports 9,042 new COVID-19 cases, another single day record
• Over 10,000 at Massachusetts schools test positive for COVID-19 in last week
• Randolph schools closed due to sharp increase in cases
WEDNESDAY, December 22
• Massachusetts reports 7,817 new COVID-19 cases, most in single day
• Salem Board of Health votes to require proof of vaccination, indoor mask mandate
• Experts warn that flexibility will be key to celebrating holidays
• Local doctors say 10 days of quarantine still necessary
TUESDAY, December 21
• Massachusetts reports 5,531 new COVID cases, 58 additional deaths
• Massachusetts State Universities will require booster shots for students, staff in the spring
• Gov. Baker is activating up to 500 Massachusetts National Guard members to assist in "non-clinical" roles throughout the health care system
• Hospitals are directed to postpone or cancel all nonessential elective procedures likely to result in inpatient admission as of Dec. 27
• New Hampshire and Vermont are among the state receiving paramedics from the federal government to help fight COVID
MONDAY, December 20
• Four Patriots placed on Reserve/COVID-19 list
• Massachusetts reports 13,717 new COVID cases over 3 days
• The Department of Health says 97% of Massachusetts breakthrough COVID cases were not hospitalized
• Boston announces B-Together initiative that requires proof of vaccination in certain indoor spaces
• Mayor Wu announces that Boston city workers must have at least one dose of a COVID vaccine by January 15
• Several Boston area communities plan to require proof of vaccination
• Providence announces it will return to an indoor mask mandate on Dec. 21
• Moderna says its booster shot increased antibody levels against the Omicron variant
SUNDAY, December 19
• Sen. Elizabeth Warren announces that she has tested positive for COVID
• Boston Mayor Michelle Wu says she will make an announcement Monday regarding the city's response to COVID with cases rising
SATURDAY, December 18
• NHL announces that all Bruins games are postponed through Dec. 26 due to rise in cases on team
• Two more players added to the Bruins' COVID-19 protocols list, making it nine players in total
• Harvard University announces it will move to remote learning for the first three weeks in January
• A new mask mandate for Catholic churches in the Boston-area went into effect
FRIDAY, December 17
• Northeastern University bans fans from sporting events due to rise in COVID cases
• Massachusetts reports most COVID cases in a single day since January, most deaths in a single day since March
• NHL postpones Saturday night's Bruins-Canadiens game due to COVID-19 outbreak
• Lynn to start indoor mask mandate on December 20
THURSDAY, December 16
• I-Team finds 900 Boston city employees were out of compliance with "vaccinate or test" program
• Massachusetts reports 5,883 new COVID cases, 30 additional deaths
• 8,376 at Massachusetts schools test positive for COVID-19 in last week
• Beacon Hill panel discusses possible solutions to curb pandemic after "terrifying increase" in COVID cases
• Indoor mask mandate returns in Lowell
WEDNESDAY, December 15
• Public health expert says "we need to update our playbook" for COVID-19
• Massachusetts reports 5,133 new COVID cases, 27 additional deaths
• Fenway Park booster shot clinic opening in January
• Boston confirms first Omicron COVID variant cases
• Murdock High School in Winchendon moves to remote learning through December 23 after 57 students test positive
• Salem Hospital overwhelmed with too many patients, not enough staff
TUESDAY, December 14
• Massachusetts Medical Society calls for mask mandate in all indoor public spaces
• National Guard begins distributing COVID tests in Revere
• Massachusetts reports 4,039 new COVID cases, 61 additional deaths
• Pfizer says COVID pill cuts risk of hospitalization or death by 89% in high-risk patients
• 5 million Massachusetts residents are now fully vaccinated against COVID
MONDAY, December 13
• Massachusetts reports 11,078 new COVID cases, 26 additional deaths over three days
• Massachusetts to distribute 2 million at-home rapid COVID-19 tests starting with 102 hardest hit communities
• Baker has no plans to bring back statewide mask mandate in Massachusetts
• Salem to require masks in city buildings starting Monday
• Getting COVID vaccine in afternoon could produce more antibodies, Harvard study finds
SATURDAY, December 11
• Clinics around Massachusetts were offering booster shots this weekend, including one in Roxbury
FRIDAY, December 10
• Mass. reports 5,007 new COVID cases, 27 additional deaths
• 7,984 at Massachusetts schools test positive for COVID-19 in last week
• Boston University will require all students, faculty, and staff to receive booster shots for the spring semester when eligible (starting Feb. 4)
THURSDAY, December 9
• Massachusetts reports 5,472 new COVID-19 cases, 27 additional deaths
• Baker says he'll consider asking National Guard for help if hospitals are overwhelmed
• Boston Archdiocese mandating masks at churches for Mass around Christmas season
• Northeastern University will require all students, faculty, and staff to receive booster shots for the spring semester when eligible
• Boston opens new vax clinics as booster approved for 16-17-Year-Olds
WEDNESDAY, December 8
• Mass. reports 5,403 new COVID cases, 12 additional deaths
• Bentley University and Emerson College will require all students, faculty, and staff to receive booster shots for the spring semester when eligible
• Many are opting out of booster shot as Pfizer announces third shot can protect against Omicron
TUESDAY, December 7
• Expert says Omicron will displace Delta variant in coming weeks
• 88,968 total breakthrough COVID cases reported in Massachusetts, which is 1.8% of vaccinated people
• Massachusetts reports 3,720 new COVID cases, 51 additional deaths
• TJX will require booster shots for office employees
MONDAY, December 6
• Boston outlines plan to combat COVID surge
• Massachusetts reports 11,199 new COVID cases, 26 new deaths over three days
• Wastewater levels in Massachusetts are showing an increased level of COVID
• Fully vaccinated students and teachers will be able to remove their masks in some Westboro schools
• About 200 UMass Memorial Health employees lost their jobs for failing to get the COVID vaccine
SATURDAY, December 4
• The Omicron variant has been detected in Massachusetts for the first time
FRIDAY, December 3
• Gov. Charlie Baker gets COVID vaccine booster dose in Brockton
• National Guard will help with COVID testing in Lowell schools
• Massachusetts reports 5,179 new COVID-19 cases, and 1,003 hospitalizations (first time over 1,000 since February)
THURSDAY, December 2
• 9,909 at Massachusetts schools test positive for COVID-19 in last 2 weeks
• Massachusetts reports 5,170 new COVID-19 cases, 31 additional deaths. Highest single day case count since mid-January
• Biden unveils plan to curb Omicron variant spread with boosters, insurance-covered at-home COVID tests
WEDNESDAY, December 1
• Massachusetts reports 4,838 new COVID cases, 25 additional deaths
• Patriots place Kyle Dugger on Reserve/COVID list after positive test
• UMass Amherst will require students to get COVID-19 booster for spring semester
• Chelsea announces indoor mask mandate will begin Dec. 3
TUESDAY, November 30
• Demand skyrocketing for COVID boosters in Mass.
• Mass. reports 2,915 new COVID cases, 31 additional deaths
• 77,647 total breakthrough COVID cases reported in Massachusetts, which is 1.6% of vaccinated people
• FDA health panel endorses Merck COVID-19 pill, paving way for U.S. authorization of the first at-home drug for virus
• A COVID-19 vaccination passport program that would allow residents to quickly demonstrate their vaccine status could be up and running in Massachusetts soon
MONDAY, November 29
• Mass. reports 5,497 new COVID cases, 21 additional deaths over three-day period
• CDC strengthens recommendation for COVID booster shots, saying all vaccinated adults should get them
• Harvard's Broad Institute is testing COVID samples to determine prevalence of the Omicron variant in Massachusetts
• Justice Stephen Breyer rejected a request that the Supreme Court block the vaccine mandate being implemented by Mass General Brigham
FRIDAY, November 26
• Mass. reports 5,058 new COVID cases, 24 additional deaths over two-day period
• Moderna seeks to develop variant-specific boosters for COVID-19 mutations like Omicron
• "A lot to be learned," about new COVID variant from South Africa, says Boston infectious disease specialist
WEDNESDAY, November 24
• Mass. reports 2,978 new COVID cases, 18 additional deaths
TUESDAY, November 23
• Mass. reports 2,616 new COVID cases, 24 additional deaths
• MIAA keeping student athlete mask mandate in place for winter sports
• Massachusetts hospitals with limited capacity ordered to reduce elective procedures
MONDAY, November 22
• Mass. reports 6,801 new COVID cases, 17 additional deaths over three days
• Three Amesbury schools testing students after 18 COVID cases linked to private event
SUNDAY, November 21
• The Curley School in Jamaica Plain will reopen Monday after 10 days of remote learning due to a COVID outbreak
SATURDAY, November 20
• State data shows school-aged kids are outpacing other age groups in COVID cases
• 4-year-old boy was mistakenly given COVID vaccine instead of flu shot at CVS in Fitchburg
• Abington high school football team surprises coach with game ball after he was home with COVID
FRIDAY, November 19
• Massachusetts reports 2,581 new COVID cases, 22 additional deaths
• FDA authorizes Moderna, Pfizer COVID vaccine boosters for all adults
THURSDAY, November 18
• Massachusetts reports 3,196 new COVID cases, 8 additional deaths
• Parents, doctors want state's school "Test and Stay" program improved
• 3,815 at Massachusetts schools test positive for COVID-19 in last week
• Berklee College of Music cancels classes Thursday after rise in COVID cases
• COVID booster shots now available for anyone 18 or older in Massachusetts
WEDNESDAY, November 17
• Massachusetts reports 2,650 new COVID cases, 20 additional deaths
• Pfizer COVID booster shot could be available to all adults by end of week
• Quincy kindergarten class quarantined after COVID-19 outbreak
TUESDAY, November 16
• 64,120 total breakthrough cases in Massachusetts, which is 1.3% of those vaccinated
• Massachusetts reports 1,848 new COVID cases, 24 additional deaths
MONDAY, November 15
• Boston Snowbound Festival, scheduled for this weekend at Hynes Convention Center, canceled due to COVID concerns
• Mass. reports 5,248 new COVID cases, 24 additional deaths
SUNDAY, November 14
• PAX East will return to Boston in 2022 with COVID vaccination and mask requirements
• Boston's Museum of Science hosted a COVID vaccine clinic for kids
SATURDAY, November 13
• Boston superintendent says Jamaica Plain school must stay closed for full 10 days after COVID outbreak
FRIDAY, November 12
• Mass. reports 3,708 new COVID cases, 19 additional deaths over two days
• State allows 4 days of remote learning at Jamaica Plain school closed after COVID outbreak
THURSDAY, November 11
• Middleton jail shuts down video visitation due to COVID outbreak
WEDNESDAY, November 10
• Massachusetts reports 1,745 new COVID cases, 20 additional deaths
TUESDAY, November 9
• Curley School in Jamaica Plain closed for in-person learning for 10 days after COVID outbreak
• Mass. reports 1,397 new COVID cases, 24 additional deaths
MONDAY, November 8
• Mass. reports 4,039 new COVID cases, six additional deaths
• The principal of South Elementary School in Andover said there have been 24 COVID cases over the last week
• Pfizer expected to seek authorization for COVID-19 vaccine booster for people 18 and older
• International travel bans lifted as fully vaccinated non U.S. citizens can enter country
SATURDAY, November 6
• Newly elected Boston City Councilor Kendra Hicks tests positive for COVID
• Temple Beth Shalom in Needham becomes pop-up COVID vaccine site for kids ages 5-11
FRIDAY, November 5
• Mass. reports 1,598 new COVID cases, 18 additional deaths
• Pfizer says its experimental COVID-19 pill reduces risk of hospitalization, death
THURSDAY, November 4
• Massachusetts tops 800,000 confirmed COVID cases since start of the pandemic
• 3,963 at Massachusetts schools test positive for COVID-19 in last two weeks
• 500+ pediatric COVID-19 vaccination sites now available in Massachusetts for kids' shots
• OSHA COVID-19 vaccine mandate for companies with 100+ employees to begin Jan. 4
• Moderna warns COVID-19 vaccine shipments are falling short due to production, shipment issues
WEDNESDAY, November 3
• Mass. reports 1,290 new COVID cases, 15 additional deaths
• Parents struggle to make vaccine appointments for kids
• CVS, Walgreens to start providing Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11 this weekend
TUESDAY, November 2
• Mass. reports 1,066 new COVID cases, 25 additional deaths
• CDC approves COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 5-to-11
MONDAY, November 1
• Mass. reports 3,243 new COVID cases, 7 additional deaths
• Vaccinated Hopkinton High School students allowed to drop masks for 3 weeks
• Moderna says FDA delaying decision on its COVID-19 vaccine for kids 12-17
FRIDAY, October 29
• Mass. reports 1,245 new COVID cases, 12 additional deaths
THURSDAY, October 28
• Mass. reports 1,432 new COVID cases, 12 additional deaths
• Some correction officers and state troopers face discipline over vaccine mandate
WEDNESDAY, October 27
• More than 800 Boston city employees on unpaid leave after Phase 2 of vaccine mandate begins
• Mass. reports 1,274 new COVID cases, 14 additional deaths
• Baker open to supporting "premium pay" bonuses of $2,000 for essential workers
TUESDAY, October 26
• Mass. reports 1,115 new COVID cases, 23 additional deaths
• Mask mandate in Massachusetts schools extended into January 2022
• FDA panel votes to back Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-To-11
MONDAY, October 25
• Mass. reports 3,173 new COVID cases, 20 additional deaths over three days
• Bill would give up to $2,000 bonuses to essential employees who worked in-person during pandemic
• Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine for kids 6-to-11 has "strong immune response"
FRIDAY, October 22
• Massachusetts reports 1,343 new COVID cases, 15 additional deaths
• Massachusetts opens vaccine booster sites in Brockton and Danvers
• Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine more than 90% effective in kids
THURSDAY, October 21
• Hopkinton High School first in the state to drop mask mandate
• Massachusetts reports 1,267 new COVID cases, 20 additional deaths
• 2,154 at Massachusetts schools test positive for COVID-19 in last week
• Kids COVID vaccines expected to arrive in Massachusetts by Nov. 5
• Moderna, Johnson and Johnson booster doses recommended by CDC panel
• Pfizer says its vaccine booster shot 95.6% effective against COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, October 20
• Massachusetts reports 1,355 new COVID cases, 11 additional deaths
• Moderna, Johnson & Johnson booster shots get FDA approval
• White House details plan to roll out COVID vaccines for kids 5 to 11
TUESDAY, October 19
• Mass. reports 1,888 new COVID cases, 25 additional deaths
• FDA expected to authorize mixing COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, report says
MONDAY, October 18
• Mass. reports 2,815 new COVID cases, 10 additional deaths over three days
• Massachusetts House sets Nov. 1 deadline for lawmakers, staff to show vaccine proof
SUNDAY, October 17
• Massachusetts state workers face a Sunday deadline to prove they are vaccinated or risk losing their jobs
FRIDAY, October 15
• Massachusetts reports 1,512 new COVID cases, 12 additional deaths
• Ashland High School gets state approval to drop mask mandate
• FDA panel approves booster shots of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
THURSDAY, October 14
• 2,238 at Massachusetts schools test positive for COVID-19 in last week
• Massachusetts reports 1,560 new COVID cases, 14 additional deaths
• FDA advisory panel endorses lower-dose Moderna booster vaccine shot for some
• Massachusetts ranked second-safest state during COVID pandemic
WEDNESDAY, October 13
• NIH study says mixing and matching COVID-19 boosters is safe
• Massachusetts reports 1,471 new COVID cases, 19 additional deaths
• State's correction officers' union calls for vaccine mandate pause
• Massachusetts opens COVID booster shot clinics in Springfield, Lowell
TUESDAY, October 12
• Massachusetts reports 1,471 new COVID cases, 19 additional deaths
• Boston announces 812 city workers placed on unpaid leave for not complying with vaccine mandate
• Massachusetts reports 4,466 new COVID cases, 36 additional deaths after 4 days
• Massachusetts National Guard activated to help with COVID testing at schools
• Hopkinton High School is first to get state approval to drop mask mandate
SUNDAY, October 10
• Burncoat High School has paused its football season after 10 players tested positive for COVID
FRIDAY, October 8
• Mass. reports 1,583 new COVID cases, 16 additional deaths
THURSDAY, October 7
• 2,248 at Massachusetts schools test positive for COVID-19 in last week
• Mass. reports 1,532 new COVID cases, 22 additional deaths
• Starting October 15, COVID vaccination or a negative test will be required at all Agganis Arena events
• Pfizer asks FDA for emergency use authorization for COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11
WEDNESDAY, October 6
• Mass. reports 1,492 new COVID cases, 27 additional deaths
• Cambridge school committee approves COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students
TUESDAY, October 5
• Mass. reports 1,184 new COVID cases, 21 additional deaths
• Study: Pfizer vaccine efficacy against COVID-19 infections dropped over 5 months
• Johnson & Johnson asks FDA to authorize COVID-19 vaccine booster shots
MONDAY, October 4
• Mass. reports 3,283 new COVID cases, 12 additional deaths after no reports over the weekend
• Marlboro Hospital increases COVID-19 testing to meet growing demand
• Fauci encourages vaccinated people "to have a good normal Christmas with your family"
FRIDAY, October 1
• Mass. reports 1,543 new COVID cases, 20 additional deaths
• Harvard University will require spectators at all indoor campus athletic events to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken from within the last 72 hours. The policy goes into effect on Oct 15.
• Merck says experimental pill Molnupiravir cuts worst effects of COVID-19
THURSDAY, September 30
• 2,399 at Massachusetts schools test positive for COVID-19 in last week
• Mass. reports 1,486 new COVID cases, 27 additional deaths
• MassDOT tells unvaccinated workers to get Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine before deadline or risk suspension, firing
WEDNESDAY, September 29
• Massachusetts reports 1,448 new COVID cases, 23 additional deaths
TUESDAY, September 28
• Total of 36,723 breakthrough COVID cases reported in Massachusetts, just 0.80% of vaccinated people
• Massachusetts reported 1,380 new COVID cases and 22 additional deaths
• Pfizer submits data on COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11 to FDA for review
MONDAY, September 27
• Massachusetts reported 4,095 new confirmed COVID cases and 14 more deaths over last 3 days
• Harvard Business School temporarily moves some MBA classes online due to rise in breakthrough infections
• Mass. extends school mask mandate to Nov. 1; Middle and high schools that are 80-percent vaccinated can opt out in October
• Dozens of Mass. State Troopers plan to resign over the state's COVID vaccine mandate, union says
• 3 Massachusetts counties improve to "substantial" on CDC COVID risk map
• CDC director says trick-or-treating safe for kids this Halloween
SATURDAY, September 25
• COVID vaccine booster clinic held at Boston Teachers Union facility
FRIDAY, September 24
• Mass. reports 1,784 new COVID cases, 13 additional deaths
• CVS, Walgreens say they will have COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for those eligible
• CDC director overrules panel, approves Pfizer COVID booster shots for frontline workers
• 2,554 at Massachusetts schools test positive for COVID-19 in last week
THURSDAY, September 23
• Mass. reports 1,885 new COVID cases, 23 additional deaths
• CDC recommends Pfizer booster shot for 65 and older, those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions, and anyone over 18 who is immunocompromised
WEDNESDAY, September 22
• Mass. reports 1,821 new COVID cases, 24 additional deaths
• FDA authorizes Pfizer booster shot for adults 65 and older
• Vaccination or a negative COVID test will be required at all TD Garden events
• Masks will be required at the Topsfield Fair while indoors
• Massachusetts State Police union sues to delay vaccine mandate for troopers
• Taunton's Bristol-Plymouth High School shuts down football teams after COVID spike
TUESDAY, September 21
• Massachusetts reports 1,283 new COVID cases, 25 additional deaths
• 32,345 breakthrough COVID cases reported in Massachusetts, just 0.71% of vaccinated people
• Johnson & Johnson says its booster shot 94% effective against COVID-19
• COVID vaccine to be required at all 15 Massachusetts community colleges
MONDAY, September 20
• Massachusetts reports 4,364 new COVID cases, 7 additional deaths
• A group of parents from around Massachusetts is calling for remote learning options for some groups of students
• Pfizer said its COVID vaccine works for children who are 5-11 years old
• CDC map shows every Massachusetts county with high COVID transmission
SATURDAY, September 18
• Boch Center becomes first performing arts center in Boston to offer on-site rapid COVID testing
FRIDAY, September 17
• Salem will require negative COVID test for all indoor events this Halloween season
• Massachusetts reports 2,024 new COVID cases, 16 additional deaths
• Study finds Moderna's vaccine is most effective against COVID hospitalizations
• Worcester's indoor mask mandate to take effect Monday
• FDA advisers unanimously recommend Pfizer's booster shots for 65+ only or those at risk for severe COVID
THURSDAY, September 16
• State education department says 1,230 students, 190 staff test positive for COVID over three days
• Mass. reports 1,999 new COVID cases, 16 additional deaths
• Baker considers setting up COVID vaccine credential system in Massachusetts
• Salem may require negative COVID test for large indoor Halloween events
• Masks will be required indoors at the Big E after a vote by the West Springfield Board of Health
WEDNESDAY, September 15
• Mass. reports 2,716 new COVID cases, 15 additional deaths
• Raytheon will require all U.S. employees to be vaccinated by Jan. 1.
• Influx of COVID patients, staff shortages create long wait times at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester.
TUESDAY, September 14
• Mass. reports 1,453 new COVID cases, 24 additional deaths
• UMass Memorial hospital in Worcester on "elevated alert" status after surge of new COVID patients
MONDAY, September 13
• Mass. reports 4,752 new COVID cases, 19 additional deaths
• Every Massachusetts county except Nantucket has high COVID transmission, CDC map shows
FRIDAY, September 10
• Pfizer will reportedly soon seek COVID vaccine approval for 5-11 year olds
• Mass. reports 1,726 new COVID cases, 18 additional deaths
• UMass Amherst cancels football tailgate as breakthrough COVID cases increase
THURSDAY, September 9
• Moderna working on combination COVID-19 booster and flu shot
• Mass. reports 2,096 new COVID cases, 18 additional deaths
• Remote learning still possible in some cases for students quarantined due to COVID exposure
WEDNESDAY, September 8
• Mass. reports 1,362 new COVID cases, 15 additional deaths
• State's Public Health Council approves caregiver vaccine mandate expansion
• Boston voters approve vaccine mandates at work, masks in schools, new poll finds
• 23,858 breakthrough COVID cases in Massachusetts, just 0.53% of 4.5 million vaccinated people
• 2 Melrose classes quarantined after 2 positive COVID cases in first week of school
TUESDAY, September 7
• Massachusetts reports 5,484 new confirmed COVID cases, 12 additional deaths
MONDAY, September 6
• Medford announces face masks must be worn by all people ages 5 and older indoors in public spaces effective September 10
• Patriots coach Bill Belichick clarifies that the team is "better off if everyone is vaccinated."
SUNDAY, September 5
• Dr. Fauci says Moderna's COVID vaccine booster may not be ready by Sept. 20 rollout
SATURDAY, September 4
• Tom Brady reveals that he tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after the Bucs Super Bowl boat parade
FRIDAY, September 3
• Mass. reports 1,703 new COVID cases, 10 additional deaths
• Broadway in Boston shows to require masks & proof of COVID vaccination
• Fenway Park begins requiring masks for indoors areas at Red Sox games
• Red Sox add outfielder Jarren Duran to their COVID Related Injured List
THURSDAY, September 2
• Mass. reports 1,593 new COVID cases, 14 additional deaths
• Fully vaccinated people are less likely to develop long COVID, according to a new study
• The drug Ivermectin is not effective against COVID, despite some doctors touting it as a treatment
WEDNESDAY, September 1
• Mass. reports 1,796 new COVID cases, 11 additional deaths
• Fenway Park adds indoor mask mandate
• Moderna submits COVID booster to FDA
• Archdiocese of Boston mandates separation between masked and unmasked
• COVID vaccine mandate expanded to cover assisted living staff, home care workers in Massachusetts
TUESDAY, August 31
• Massachusetts reports 1,557 new COVID cases, 17 additional deaths
• Provincetown has dropped its indoor mask mandate and changed it to an advisory
• Study: Moderna's COVID vaccine produces twice the antibodies of Pfizer's
• CDC: COVID vaccine effectiveness against severe disease has not dropped much
• Commissioner given authority to require mask mandate for Massachusetts child care programs
• Coolidge Corner Theatre to require proof of vaccination or negative COVID test
MONDAY, August 30
• Gov. Baker says about 2,000 schools in Massachusetts will take part in COVID-19 testing
• Massachusetts reports 4,081 new confirmed COVID cases, 10 additional deaths after no reports over the weekend
• Somerville requiring all city workers to get COVID vaccine by November 1
SUNDAY, August 29
• Crowds can still be 'a risk' for COVID transmission even outside, Tufts doctor says
• Every county in Massachusetts but one is now at a high risk for COVID-19, according to the CDC
• Gov. Charlie Baker said he does not envision a scenario where students are forced back into remote learning
FRIDAY, August 27
• Judge tosses case over UMass Boston, Lowell vaccine mandates
• Massachusetts reports 1,591 new COVID cases, 6 additional deaths
• All but three counties in Massachusetts have high community COVID transmission, the CDC says
• Boston's indoor mask mandate takes effect Friday morning
• Eagles concert on Friday at TD Garden marks first big event after mask mandate
THURSDAY, August 26
• Mass. reports 1,793 new COVID cases, 13 additional deaths
• Methuen's mayor has a breakthrough case of COVID
• Leominster resident, Conway student are fifth and final VaxMillions winners
• The MBTA announces it will offer free masks at several of its locations after Labor Day and an extension of their 5-Day Flex Pass
• West Springfield officials are considering a mask mandate at the Big E
WEDNESDAY, August 25
• Three Mass. State Police employees test positive for COVID at Troop A barracks in Danvers
• Mass. reports 1,400 new COVID cases, 3 additional deaths
• Moderna submits application for full FDA approval of its COVID vaccine
• A statewide mask mandate for Massachusetts schools officially goes into effect
• One Massachusetts resident failed to claim their VaxMillions prize before the 24-hour deadline passed
TUESDAY, August 24
• Mass. reports 1,290 new COVID cases, 16 additional deaths
• CVS will require some employees to get the COVID vaccine
• Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley was granted the authority at a Tuesday meeting to put a universal school mask mandate in place
MONDAY, August 23
• Massachusetts reports 3,335 new COVID cases, 4 additional deaths over 3 days
• The FDA has fully approved Pfizer's COVID vaccine
SUNDAY, August 22
• The Town of Nantucket's COVID vaccine clinic at 1st Way School will be closed Sunday due to Tropical Storm Henri
SATURDAY, August 21
• The FDA may give Pfizer COVID vaccine full approval at some point next week, according to multiple reports
FRIDAY, August 20
• Mass. reports 1,459 new COVID cases, 6 additional deaths
• Acting Mayor Kim Janey announced an indoor mask mandate for the city of Boston
THURSDAY, August 19
• Mass. reports 1,373 new COVID cases, 4 additional deaths
• Baker orders COVID vaccine requirement for all executive department workers
• 81% support school mask mandate in Massachusetts, poll finds
• Lowell teacher, Rockland student are fourth VaxMillions winners as deadline nears for final giveaway
• Indoor masks now required in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury
WEDNESDAY, August 18
• Boch Center to require all patrons be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative Covid test beginning September 14th
• Salem State University will host vaccine lottery
• Mass. reports 1,452 new COVID cases, 11 deaths
• Baker considering vaccine mandate for state workers
• COVID vaccine booster shots rollout to begin September 20, starting with those vaccinated first
• Garth Brooks cancels Gillette Stadium concert due to COVID
TUESDAY, August 17
• Massachusetts reports 1,254 new confirmed COVID cases and 6 more deaths
• Massachusetts reports a total of 12,641 breakthrough cases in vaccinated individuals (about .29%) and a total of 124 deaths (about .003%)
• Massachusetts Teachers Association wants vaccine requirement for eligible students and school employees
• Health and Human Services Secretary says in Lawrence that federal government is looking at vaccine booster shots
MONDAY, August 16
• U.S. experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans
• Massachusetts reports 2,996 new COVID cases, six additional deaths over three days
• Gov. Baker not changing mask guidance because Mass. in "dramatically different place" than other states
• Only one more chance to sign up for final VaxMillions giveaway
SUNDAY, August 15
• 8 of 14 counties in Massachusetts now at high risk for COVID-19 transmission, CDC says
SATURDAY, August 14
• Nantucket's seven-day positivity rate is 11.32%, more than four times the state average
• Bristol and Plymouth counties, along with the Cape and Islands, experience rises in COVID cases
FRIDAY, August 13
• Massachusetts reports 1,182 new confirmed COVID cases and 11 additional deaths
• Every Mass. county now at high or substantial risk for COVID-19 transmission, CDC says
• Medford Public Schools will require masks for all students and staff this fall
THURSDAY, August 12
• Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine protects against Delta variant, study finds
• Massachusetts reports 1,228 new confirmed COVID cases and 10 additional deaths
• Gov. Charlie Baker does not believe a statewide mask mandate for schools is necessary at this time
• Boston's Children's Museum and Museum of Science will require employees to get COVID vaccine
• Wellfleet issues mask mandate for indoor businesses, outdoors if social distancing is not possible
• Third COVID vaccine booster shot for immunocompromised people approved by FDA
• Moderna doubles number of children under 12 participating in COVID vaccine trial
• Southbridge requiring all students, staff to wear masks indoors at schools this fall
WEDNESDAY, August 11
• Worcester School Committee votes to require all students, staff wear masks, even those fully vaccinated
• Massachusetts reports 1,368 new confirmed COVID cases and eight additional deaths
• Waltham discusses possible mask mandate
• State Street is now requiring all U.S. employees to get COVID vaccine by September 13; TJX requires vaccines by November 1
• UMass Medical School requiring faculty, staff to get COVID vaccine by September 7
TUESDAY, August 10
• 9,969 breakthrough COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, that's just 0.23% of vaccinated people
• Salem Board of Health votes unanimously to start indoor mask mandate August 23 until November 13
• Massachusetts reports 1,109 new COVID cases, 13 additional deaths
• CDC ranks 6 Massachusetts counties at high risk for COVID transmission
MONDAY, August 9
• Salem approves school mask requirement, considers citywide indoor mandate
• 100 breakthrough COVID cases in Massachusetts have ended in death
• Massachusetts reports 2,587 new COVID cases, 3 additional deaths over 3 days
• Falmouth Road Race runners "required" to wear masks at start and finish lines
• An indoor mask mandate is now in effect in Belmont
• Arlington strongly advises masks indoors in town
• Only 2 more chances left to enter the VaxMillions lottery
SUNDAY, August 8
• Chatham summer recreation program canceled after multiple COVID cases at community center
• Counting Crows cancels Boston show after member of touring party tests positive for COVID
SATURDAY, August 7
• Club Café in Boston will require patrons to show their COVID vaccination card before entering
• Dartmouth College and the University of New Hampshire are implementing new mask requirements
FRIDAY, August 6
• Massachusetts reports 1,111 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths
• According to the CDC, six Massachusetts counties are now considered high risk for COVID transmission
• CDC Director Rochelle Walensky and the Secretary of Education Miguel Carbona were in Boston discussing how to reopen schools safely
• Massachusetts Senate President asks Gov. Baker to require masks in schools
• Belmont issues indoor mask mandate starting Monday, August 9
THURSDAY, August 5
• Massachusetts reports 1,046 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths
• The number of people taking a COVID test has doubled in recent weeks
• Eight Massachusetts fire departments have had firefighters with breakthrough COVID cases
• The New England Aquarium will begin requiring masks as of Saturday
• The Museum of Fine Arts, The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the ICA are bringing back mask requirements Saturday
• Nantucket issues indoor mask mandate after emergency meeting
• Billerica woman, Blue Hills Regional Technical School student are second VaxMillions winners
• Moderna says third COVID vaccine booster shot "likely to be necessary" this fall due to Delta variant
• Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine is 93% effective 6 months after second dose
WEDNESDAY, August 4
• Massachusetts reports 962 new COVID-19 cases, 5 additional deaths
• COVID vaccine mandate ordered for all nursing home workers in Massachusetts
• UMass Memorial health care system making COVID vaccination for workers mandatory this fall
• Delta variant could drive the herd immunity threshold to around 80 percent
• Burlington schools will require masks this school year, regardless of vaccination status
• McDonald's requiring masks again at most restaurants, regardless of vaccination status
TUESDAY, August 3
• CDC: 12 of 14 Massachusetts counties now high or substantial risk for COVID transmission
• Massachusetts reports 883 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths
• Boston not following New York's lead in requiring COVID vaccine proof for indoor activities
• Microsoft will require workers to get COVID vaccine
MONDAY, August 2
• Massachusetts companies announcing vaccination requirements for employees
• Worcester is weighing whether or not to bring back an indoor mask mandate
• A Massachusetts state senator is proposing a universal mask mandate in schools
• Massachusetts reports 2,054 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths over 3 days
• Target will once again require some employees to wear face masks in stores
• Northeastern requiring all faculty, staff to be vaccinated for fall semester
• CDC: 9 Massachusetts counties now high or substantial risk for COVID transmission
SUNDAY, August 1
• OB-GYN associations recommend all pregnant women get vaccinated against COVID-19
SATURDAY, July 31
• Logan Airport travelers cautious about catching COVID Delta variant on summer trips
FRIDAY, July 30
• Massachusetts reports 844 new COVID-19 cases, 3 additional deaths
• CDC says "pivotal discovery" in Provincetown COVID cluster led to mask guidance change for fully vaccinated people
• Massachusetts now recommending some fully vaccinated people wear face masks indoors
• DESE "strongly recommends" masks for K-6 students, not required for vaccinated
• CDC document warns COVID Delta variant just as contagious as chickenpox
• Somerville now strongly recommending everyone wear masks in indoor public places
THURSDAY, July 29
• Of those fully-vaccinated in Massachusetts .15% (6,373) have had a breakthrough case of COVID and .009 percent (361) have been hospitalized
• Massachusetts reports 742 new COVID-19 cases, 8 additional deaths
• Darrell Washington of Weymouth, Daniela Maldonado of Chelsea are first VaxMillions winners
• Janey calls for masks in Boston schools this fall, no vaccine mandate for city workers yet
• Provincetown COVID cluster now up to 882 cases, 7 of them in hospital, no deaths
WEDNESDAY, July 28
• Massachusetts reports 598 new COVID cases, 6 additional deaths
• Gov. Baker still reviewing new CDC face mask guidance before making any decisions for Massachusetts
• Provincetown COVID cluster now up to 833 cases, 7 of them in hospital, no deaths
• Pfizer data suggests third dose of COVID-19 vaccine "strongly" boosts protection against Delta variant
TUESDAY, July 27
• Massachusetts reports 657 new COVID-19 cases, 12 additional deaths
• 765 confirmed cases of COVID-19 associated with Provincetown cluster; 3 hospitalizations, no deaths
• CDC recommends masks for fully vaccinated people again in some indoor settings, including regions where there is a high rate of transmission
• CDC recommends masks in schools for all, even those vaccinated
• Moderna and Pfizer to expand COVID vaccine trials for young children
MONDAY, July 26
• Indoor mask mandate begins in Provincetown
• Massachusetts reports 1,243 new COVID cases, 7 additional deaths since Friday
• First of 5 VaxMillions drawings start Monday, winners announced Thursday
SUNDAY, July 25
• Provincetown votes to reinstate indoor mask requirement
• Pop-up vaccine clinic held in Mattapan, where vaccination rates lower than surrounding neighborhoods
SATURDAY, July 24
• Provincetown COVID cluster increases to 430
FRIDAY, July 23
• Delta variant detected in Provincetown COVID-19 cluster
• Massachusetts reports 586 new COVID cases, 5 additional deaths
• Boston Public Schools expects students, staff will be required to wear masks in fall
• Jacques Cabaret bar in Boston will require patrons to show vaccine cards or wear a mask due to the Delta variant
THURSDAY, July 22
• Massachusetts reports 477 new COVID cases, 6 additional deaths
• Baker not looking to bring back COVID restrictions in Massachusetts despite rise in cases
• Last day to register for all 5 Massachusetts VaxMillions drawings is Thursday
WEDNESDAY, July 21
• Massachusetts reports 457 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths
• Provincetown COVID cluster increases to 256
• Massachusetts reports 5,166 breakthrough COVID-19 cases, 80 deaths through July 17
TUESDAY, July 20
• Massachusetts reports 366 new COVID-19 cases, six additional deaths
• 33 test positive for COVID-19 at West Yarmouth senior living home
MONDAY, July 19
• Massachusetts reports 717 new COVID cases, four additional deaths over three days
• Boston University will require COVID vaccines for staff and faculty this fall
• American Academy of Pediatrics recommends masks for everyone in schools this fall
• Massachusetts sees increase in COVID cases
• Provincetown recommends face masks indoors after 132 COVID cases linked to cluster
SUNDAY, July 18
• Hundreds line up at vaccine clinics in Everett with COVID cases rise across the state
SATURDAY, July 17
• City of Quincy unveils street corner dedicated to Marine Sergeant Daniel Dewey, one of the state's 1st COVID Victims
FRIDAY, July 16
• Mass. reports 269 new COVID-19 cases, 3 additional deaths
• CDC warns COVID-19 vaccines might not protect people who are immunocompromised
THURSDAY, July 15
• Mass. reports 236 new COVID cases, 4 additional deaths
WEDNESDAY, July 14
• Mass. reports 208 new COVID cases, 1 additional death
• Northeastern University will require weekly COVID testing for the fall semester
TUESDAY, July 13
• Provincetown announces expanded COVID-19 testing after breakthrough cases
• Massachusetts reports 191 new COVID cases, no additional deaths
MONDAY, July 12
• Massachusetts reports 322 new COVID cases, one additional death over three days
• The FDA and CDC are looking into a slight risk of nerve complications from the J&J vaccine
• Provincetown is monitoring some breakthrough COVID infections in fully vaccinated people
FRIDAY, July 9
• Massachusetts reports zero new COVID deaths, 169 cases
• Vaccinated students, teachers don't need masks in school, CDC says
THURSDAY, July 8
• Massachusetts reports 99 new COVID cases, 3 additional deaths
• Pfizer asks FDA for emergency use authorization for third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine
WEDNESDAY, July 7
• Massachusetts reports 61 new COVID cases, 3 additional deaths
• State Treasurer says fewer than half of eligible people are registered for 'VaxMillions' vaccine lottery
TUESDAY, July 6
• Massachusetts reports 269 new COVID cases, 6 additional deaths after not releasing any COVID numbers since July 2, due to the holiday
SATURDAY, July 3
• Weekend service returns for all MBTA commuter rail lines after they were cut back on most lines in January amid low pandemic ridership levels
FRIDAY, July 2
• Massachusetts reports 79 new COVID cases, 1 additional death
• 700,000+ sign up on first day of Massachusetts''VaxMillions' registration
THURSDAY, July 1
• Massachusetts reports 76 new COVID cases, 3 additional deaths
• Massachusetts 'VaxMillions' vaccination lottery registration now open
WEDNESDAY, June 30
• Massachusetts reports 93 new COVID cases, 1 additional death
TUESDAY, June 29
• VaxMillions announces how to register for shot at $1 million beginning Thursday
• Massachusetts reports 63 new COVID cases, 1 additional death
• Moderna says its COVID vaccine protects against emerging strains, including Delta variant
MONDAY, June 28
• Massachusetts reports 41 new COVID cases, two additional deaths
SUNDAY, June 27
• Massachusetts reports 31 new COVID cases, one additional death
SATURDAY, June 26
• Massachusetts reports 56 new COVID cases, two additional deaths
• The Wellfleet Oysterfest says it is canceling its event for a second year in a row due to COVID
• Two buses, dubbed the Vax Bus, will start driving across the state to administer vaccines
FRIDAY, June 25
• Massachusetts reports 60 new COVID cases, one additional death
• Schedule released for VaxMillions lottery drawings
• Revere launches its own vaccine lottery, giving away $50,000 in scholarships
THURSDAY, June 24
• Massachusetts reports 78 new COVID cases, four additional deaths
• Boston hospital networks announce COVID vaccine requirements for employees
WEDNESDAY, June 23
• Massachusetts reports 68 new COVID cases, 5 additional deaths; Hospitalizations drop below 100
• Boston Public Schools superintendent going door-to-door to reach students who dropped out during the pandemic
TUESDAY, June 22
• Experts warn Delta variant could make unvaccinated communities 'look like last winter'
• Hynes Convention Center closes as mass vaccination site
• Massachusetts reports 33 new COVID cases, one additional death
• Massachusetts reaches Gov. Baker's goal of 4.1 million fully vaccinated
MONDAY, June 21
• Massachusetts reports 48 new COVID cases, five additional deaths
• Traffic is back to pre-pandemic levels on most Massachusetts roads, the highway administrator says
• The Boston Children's Museum is hosting a vaccine clinic for everyone 12 and older on June 29
• Massachusetts is closing in on its goal of vaccinating 4.1 million people
SUNDAY, June 20
• Massachusetts reports 41 new COVID cases, five additional deaths
SATURDAY, June 19
• Massachusetts reports 91 new COVID cases, six additional deaths
