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