Latest Brookline Coronavirus Updates

BROOKLINE, MA — The new coronavirus outbreak across the nation is having impacts in Brookline, from the closures of businesses and schools to a new normal that involves working from home and standing 6 feet from the next person in line at the grocery store.

The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and each day new measures and closures are announced. The state issued a Stay-at-Home advisory last week.

As of Tuesday in Brookline 48 people were diagnosed with coronavirus. And on Tuesday an employee at the Whole Foods on Beacon Street was diagnosed with the virus, though it's not clear if that person also lives in town. The Massachusetts case count grew to 6,620 on Tuesday, including 89 deaths. Thirty-three people died over the last 24 hours, the biggest one-day jump the state has seen since the beginning of the outbreak."

Here are the latest local updates from Brookline:

Schools

Schools are closed until the end of April. > MORE

Brookline educators introduced remote learning last week for students. > MORE

Restaurants

To see a list of restaurants and eateries that remain open for takeout or delivery in town read here>> Brookline Takeout, Delivery Options During Coronavirus Shutdown

Special Shopping Hours for At-Risk Residents

Massachusetts grocery chains have set aside times for elderly or otherwise at-risk residents to shop in their stores. You can see those hours listed MORE.

Brookline Food Pantry/Free and Reduced Lunch

For more information about the Brookline Food Pantry's response to COVID-19, and to sign up for its Brookline Thrives program, visit brooklinefoodpantry.org.
Free and reduced price lunches are available for qualifying Brookline families with students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the period that schools are closed. MORE.

Town Closures

Town offices, including Town Hall, are closed in order to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. Town departments are continuing to function, with staff working remotely wherever possible.
MORE.

Athletic Courts, Playgrounds Closed

All athletic courts owned by the Town of Brookline are now closed in order to further promote social distancing and prevent individuals from congregating and playing team sports using shared sports equipment, which can spread the virus.

Senior Caregivers Eligible for Ride Share Vouchers

Brookline is one of a handful of communities nationwide where caregivers who provide aid for homebound seniors can receive a coupon for free rides from Lyft. The coupons are the result of a partnership between Lyft and the National Council on Aging. To apply, click here.

Want To Volunteer?

The Town has set up a volunteer group, if you want to add your name to the list of helpers, fill out this form online.

Parking

Emergency parking rules are in place. Overnight parking bans are lifted. MORE

Taxes

The Commonwealth and federal government have both extended their tax filing deadlines to July 15.

Library

The library, which is closed until the end of April, has stepped up its virtual presence, including the ability to chat with reference staff via chat and email. There are a variety of digital versions of beloved library programs, including virtual storytime and craft-along activities.

For a full list of digital resources available on the library's website, including e-books, movies, music, databases and more, click here. For a more on remote services, click here.

Construction

Following guidelines on construction from the state, Brookline has asked that if it's possible to do so, construction should be suspended for the time being. MORE.

Prevention

Seniors and those with chronic health conditions are the most at-risk for serious illness caused by the coronavirus, but because anyone is susceptible and can transmit the illness, health officials urge everyone to take precautions.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
• Stay at least 6 feet from anyone that is not in your household.
• Stay home during the governor's stay at home advisory as much as possible.

What to Do if You Feel Sick

If you display symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, you should stay home and contact your primary care physician before visiting them or the hospital in person. Health officials recommend staying home and limiting contact with others and wear a facemask of you are sick. According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear may not show up until 14 days of exposure. For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.

Questions About COVID-19?

There's a Call Center Got a non-medical question about COVID-19 in Brookline? The Brookline call center is staffed weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call: 617-879-5636. You can also email COVID19Info@brooklinema.gov.

Brookline-specific medical or public health inquiries: Call Department of Brookline Public Health at 617-730-2300. Residents can also email medical questions related to COVID-19 to covidmedical@brooklinema.gov.

For general COVID-19 questions not specific to Brookline, call the state 211 line.

In the case of emergency, call 911.