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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (called COVID-19, commonly) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Coronaviruses are respiratory viruses and are generally spread through respiratory secretions (droplets from coughs and sneezes) of an infected person to another person. Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, pneumonia (fluid in the lungs).
As this is an evolving situation, the Board of Health will continue to monitor information provided by the CDC and the MA Department of Public Health through announcements and conference calls and provide the most up to date information to the public.
United States
Cases of COVID-19 have been identified in a growing number of international locations, including the United States. CDC is updating United States case counts based on repatriated individuals. For the latest on case counts, visit the CDC COVID-19 Cases in the United States page.
Massachusetts & Burlington
The number of confirmed positive cases in the state and in Burlington can be viewed on the State of Massachusetts website. Data on positive cases is updated once daily by 4 pm and individual town data is updated Wednesdays by 4 pm.
For more information on cases in the State of Massachusetts, visit the Massachusetts COVID-19 Response Interactive Map.
- COVID-19 Vaccine in Massachusetts
- The COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline
- COVID-19 Resources for Renters, Homeowners, and Landlords
- MA Governor - COVID-19 Order Number 43: Phase III (PDF)
- Phase III, Step I Safety Standards and Checklist: Fitness Centers and Health Clubs
- Phase III, Step I Safety Standards and Checklist: Indoor and Outdoor Events
- Phase III, Step I Safety Standards and Checklist: Theaters and Performance Venues
- Phase III, Step I Safety Standards and Checklist: Indoor Recreation
- Public and Semi-Public Swimming Pools
- MA Department of Education - Comprehensive Summer School Guidance
- School Reopening Guidance (PDF)
- Reopening Information for Massachusetts
- Reopening Safety Standards and Checklists: Restaurants
- Governor Charlie Baker's Orders
- Safety Standards and Checklists: Close Contact Personal Services
- Reopening: Sector-Specific Protocols and Best Practices
- Safety Standards and Checklist: Sectors Not Otherwise Addressed
- Recommendations of COVID-19 Health Equity Advisory Group
- Youth and Adult Amateur Sports Activities
Check Your Symptoms
If you believe you may have COVID-19, you can check your symptoms online via the Symptom Checker page. Be sure to call your health care provider if your symptoms are indicative of COVID-19. Stay home and isolate yourself from others in the home.
Additional Symptom / Testing Resources
- Instructions for testing and a list of testing sites can be found on the COVID-19 Testing page
- Visit the COVID-19 Test Site Locator Interactive Map
- Access the "Stop the Spread" Strategic Testing Program page
Have Questions or Want More Information About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Call 211!
This phone number is an informational and referral hotline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are free and confidential. Interpreter services are available in multiple languages.
Want Massachusetts COVID-19 Text Alerts?
To get up-to-date alerts sent directly to your phone, text COVIDMA to 888-777.
Reporting
If you would like to report a business or workplace that is non-compliant with the mandatory workplace safety standards or with their sector-specific protocols please find contact information on the COVID-19 Compliance page.
If you would like to report possible concerns about non-compliance with the Commonwealth's travel advisory quarantine, face covering, gathering, or other public health rules please complete the COVID-19 Safe Practices Concern Form.
What Can I Do to Prevent the Spread of Disease to Protect Myself & Others?
- Stay home as much as you can. If you must go out, don't gather in groups and stay 6 feet away from others
- Learn the facts about COVID-19 and help stop the spread of misinformation by visiting CDC's Share the Facts, Stop the Fear page
- If you have recently traveled and become ill, call your health care provider and notify them of your travel history. Avoid non-essential travel
- Don't shake hands or hug
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers and rub till completely dry
- Cough/sneeze into a tissue and dispose the tissue immediately into a trash can. If you don't have a tissue, cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick
- If you are sick stay home, seek health care, and avoid contact with others
- Clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces
- Stay connected to friends and loved ones by phone or through other technology
- Take care of your emotional health and help others do the same. If you need emotional support during these stressful times:
- Call 211 and choose the "CALL2TALK" option
- Samaritans is continuing operations 24/7, as always. During this unprecedented time, it can feel overwhelming to receive constant messages about COVID-19. Call or text their 24/7 helpline any time at 877-870-4673
- The Disaster Distress Helpline, 800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including disease outbreaks like COVID-19. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories
How Can I Help My Community?
You can help your community and/or other communities by becoming a volunteer. Visit the Burlington Volunteer Reserve Corps website for more information and how to join.
- Tips to make COVID-19 isolation and quarantine easier
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - COVID-19
- MA Department of Health - COVID-19 Information
- Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19
- CDC - Mold and Legionella Reopening Guidance
- CDC - How to Make Your Own Face Covering Video on YouTube
- Childcare, Small Business Tax Relief and Unemployment Insurance Legislation Related to COVID-19
- Effective Use of Face Coverings (PDF)
- Information for Residents on Possible COVID-19 Waste Materials (PDF)
- MA Attorney General - Resources During COVID-19
- MA Department of Health - COVID-19 Fact Sheets
- Information and Guidance for Persons in Isolation due to COVID-19 (PDF)
- Information and Guidance for Persons in Quarantine due to COVID-19 (PDF)