Boston At 'Beginning Of A 2- to 3-Week Surge:' Walsh

BOSTON — A determined Mayor Marty Walsh on Tuesday urged residents to continue social distancing and wearing face masks after another sharp spike in coronavirus cases, saying the city is still "at the beginning of a two- to three-week surge."

Walsh said there are now 2,035 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Boston, a 33 percent increase in the last three days. Four new deaths brings the total to 19.

Walsh said things will get worse before they get better, and that hospitals will likely need to add morgue capacity.

The next few weeks are going to be a test of our health care capacity like never before. We're going to see cases continue to climb," Walsh said Tuesday afternoon. "And unfortunately, we're going to see a lot more loss of life."

Walsh, who took off his New England Patriots mask before speaking, continued to hammer the importance of the next couple of weeks. He reminded people — including young people — who are violating social distancing guidelines they are not immune COVID-19.

"I don't care if you think I'm overreacting," Walsh said. "I hope in three weeks from now, people can say I overreacted, but I don't think that's going to be the case."

Walsh also said:

• The city will be waiving most parking tickets for health care workers. A few violations, like parking in front of a fire hydrant, will not be waived.
• Some 200 homeless people tested positive for COVID-19. The city is preparing to open more beds at the old Newton Pavilion and Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
• Boston Pride events, including the parade, are postponed until 2021. Boston Pride events were originally scheduled for June.