MA Coronavirus: Cases Spike, Construction Pauses, MBTA Slows

MASSACHUSETTS — Cases of the new coronavirus increased to nearly 200 across Massachusetts, state officials said soon after announcing more restrictions and changes to daily life to stop the spread of the virus.

The number of cases across the state hit 197 as of Monday afternoon, an increase of 33 cases from Sunday's update. The actual number of cases is likely to be much higher as more testing is done.

Meanwhile, all construction will be halted across Boston, Mayor Marty Walsh announced. The pause on work takes effect Tuesday. Companies can keep crews on to "secure" sites through March 23.

Also on Tuesday, the MBTA will begin operating on a reduced schedule across its transit network as ridership continues to dry up. The changes, MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak acknowledged, could be "inconvenient" to those still relying on the system.

"The coronavirus is one of the greatest public health challenges our city has ever faced," Walsh said.

The changes will take place the same day schools begin to close for at least three weeks, restaurants become takeout-only, and gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited — 15 people more than what the White House suggested Monday.

Massachusetts coronavirus coverage

• Schools Prepare For The Unprecedented
• Hospitals Face Staffing Issues
• Food Pantries Adjust For Outbreak

Small business loan fund established

Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday announced the state established a $10 million small business recovery loan fund to help businesses hit hard by the disruption caused by coronavirus, or COVID-19. Loans of up to $75,000 are available immediately for businesses with less than 50 employees and no payments will be due for the first six months.

Somerville shuts down

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone announced the closures of gyms, theaters, houses of worship and other buildings through at least April 6, one of the strictest citywide measures taken in Massachusetts.

"We are living in unprecedented circumstances, and we cannot go on with business as usual," Curtatone said in a statement. "As a community, we must drastically change our way of life in the short-term to prevent even more dire consequences in the long-term, particularly for our most vulnerable."

Stop & Shop instituting special hours

Stop & Shop locations are going to be open from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. only for customers older than 60. Employees can ask other customers to leave during that time. Health officials say elderly people are most susceptible to COVID-19.

State House closes to public

The State House will close to the public, Senate President Karen Spilka said. Spilka also said most legislation will be focused on COVID-19 for the time being.

Northeastern University student tests positive

A Northeastern student living off-campus tested positive for COVID-19, according to The Huntington News. The student has been in isolation since March 12.