Curfew, Masks: Boston Mayor Announces New Coronavirus Rules

BOSTON — Mayor Marty Walsh on Sunday announced stricter measures to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The new guidelines include a curfew, an extended stay-at-home advisory and a request that everyone who leaves their home wear a face covering or mask.

The Boston advisory is in effect from Monday until May 4, matching the governor's extended stay-at-home advisory.

"We can all help slow the spread by covering our faces," Walsh said.

Walsh set a city curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for everyone except essential workers. He said he is shutting down sports facilities, including basketball and tennis courts, and banning street hockey.

"No group activity should be taking place anywhere, and that includes fitness classes in open spaces," Walsh said. He asked that the most vulnerable population, including those with asthma, kidney or liver disease, stay inside as much as possible for the next two weeks.

He added that police have the authority to break up groups.

"We are urging people to use common sense so police are not put in a position to do this," he said.

Nearly 45 percent of those who have tested positive for the coronavirus in Boston so far are under the age of 40, Walsh said. He urged young people to follow social distancing and other guidelines so as not to put vulnerable populations at risk.

"This is a moment we need people's attention," Walsh said. "We need everyone to act on this together as one city."

Some 20 percent of people who have the virus do not show symptoms, he said.

"So the more of us that wear face coverings, the more effective this strategy will be," Walsh said.

As of Sunday, 12,500 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Massachusetts and 231 people have died. In Boston, 1,877 people have tested positive and 15 have died.

Those numbers will continue to rise, he said.

"We're not doing this because we want to do it — we're doing it because we're seeing these numbers surge," Walsh said, noting a 27 percent increase over the past two days in the number of cases reported.

Walsh said anyone who sees people not abiding by social distancing rules or playing sports on public courts should call 311.

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