Boston Public Health Commission Urges Residents to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend Safely

BPHC is also notifying residents that COVID-19 boosters are now available for children ages 5-11. Earlier this week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a bulletin announcing that COVID-19 booster doses could be provided for those over the age of 5.  

The latest data indicate that the risk for COVID-19 remains high. The amount of virus in local wastewater continues to be significantly elevated. Community positivity is at 11 percent and the city is averaging 54.2 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, a slight decrease over the last two weeks. Despite this promising sign, all the data suggest a higher likelihood of COVID-19 transmission during large in-person gatherings this weekend.   

"The beginning of summer is an exciting time and after two very difficult years, everyone is eager to gather. However, the risk of COVID-19 transmission is currently high," said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. "Wear a mask indoors, get tested, particularly prior to gatherings, stay home if you are ill and reach out to your health care provider for treatment if you test positive. Take all the necessary precautions, because you can't go to Red Sox games, or go to the beach, or host cookouts if you're sick with COVID-19."

BPHC urges everybody to take all necessary COVID-19 precautions to ensure a safe Memorial Day Weekend by: 

• Gathering outside as often as possible to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission; 

• Also keep windows open for proper ventilation 

• Testing for COVID-19 before and after attending gatherings, especially if you will be around high-risk individuals, such as seniors, those who are immunocompromised, and those who are unvaccinated; 
• Wearing well-fitted, high-quality masks indoors, including on public transportation;
• Staying home if you're sick or test positive for COVID-19; and  
• Staying up to date on your vaccinations, either by beginning your primary series, completing your primary series, or getting a booster dose.  
  • COVID-19 boosters are now available for those ages 5-11.The CDC now recommends that children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.

Those who test positive for COVID-19 should contact a health care provider immediately to ask about antiviral treatments. Antivirals are now much more available and are highly effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization. The State is offering a free program where residents can have Paxlovid, an oral antiviral COVID-19 treatment, sent to them for free, or available for pharmacy pick-up, via telehealth appointments. For more information visit the Mayor's Health Line, or call 617-534-5050. Consultations are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese. Those without a health care provider can contact the Gothams Self-Referral Treatment Line at 508-213-1380, from Monday through Saturday from 8am to 6pm to access COVID-19 anti-viral treatments, as well.  

There are many resources available to Boston residents to ensure their health and wellbeing. PCR testing sites are open across the city with limited wait times, and results are usually available within 24-hours. To find a testing site near you, visit boston.gov/covid19-testing. At-home rapid antigen testing kits are also widely available for purchase at pharmacies. Free, walk-in vaccine clinics are also operating throughout Boston, with first and second doses available for everyone ages 5 and older, as well as booster doses for those ages 12 and up. For more information about vaccine clinics, visit boston.gov/covid19-vaccine.