BOSTON — Here are the latest local updates on the coronavirus pandemic in Massachusetts.

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More COVID-19 updates from state health officials

Live updates on Saturday, April 18

Mass. DPH announces 156 new COVID-19 deaths, 1,970 additional positive cases

The death toll from COVID-19 in Massachusetts has reached 1,560 people on Saturday after the state’s Department of Public Health announced that 156 more people have died from the virus. Mass. DPH also confirmed that 1,970 additional positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the state, bringing Massachusetts’ total number of positive cases to 36,372.

The department also said that the state has tested 8,062 people for COVID-19 since the release of their Friday evening numbers. That brings the state’s total of people tested for the virus to 156,806.

Gov. Baker toured and spoke at the Boston Hope Field Medical Station

Gov. Charlie Baker thanked everyone who helped put together field hospitals to make sure current healthcare systems wouldn’t be overwhelmed. He said the field hospital at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center has added 1,000 hospital beds and began operating last week.

He also touched upon the Boston Marathon, which was scheduled to take place on Monday, Patriots’ Day, but was postponed because of COVID-19.

“Massachusetts looks a little different this weekend than it normally would,” Baker said. “Massachusetts is strong, we are resilient and we can run any marathon anybody wants us to run.”

He said it’s important for people to follow guidance and advice, and to refrain from visiting the starting line in Hopkinton, the finish line on Boylston Street or run the route.

Friday, April 17

State reports 159 new COVID-19 deaths

Another 159 people have died from COVID-19 in Massachusetts, state health officials announced Friday. A total of 1,404 have died from the virus in the state.

The state reports 2,221 new cases Friday, bringing the total number of cases in the state up to 34,402

A total of 148,744 tests have been done.

Swampscott Whole Foods employee dies of COVID-19

An employee of the Whole Foods Market in Swampscott died Wednesday from COVID-19, store officials announced Friday:

"Whole Foods Market is mourning the loss of a member of our community who passed away on April 15, 2020 due to COVID-19. Our hearts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and with his fellow Team Members at our Swampscott, Massachusetts store. We are offering counseling support to our Team Members as we grieve this tremendous loss.”

Baker, Walsh, Trump to speak Friday

Governor Charlie Baker is set to speak at 2:30 p.m. Friday. On Thursday, NH Governor Chris Sununu announced schools will continue remote learning through the rest of the school year. Earlier this week Baker said that conversation would be had “in the coming weeks.” It’s unclear if Baker will make an announcement regarding schools on Friday.

Mayor Walsh will speak at 1:30 p.m. to give updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the city of Boston.

The White House Coronavirus Task Force is set to hold a news conference at approximately 5 p.m.

You can watch these news conferences on air and online.

Thursday, April 16

BPDA authorizes rent deferment for qualified commercial tenants at BPDA-owned properties

The Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) announced on Thursday the agency is allowing commercial tenants to submit applications for rent deferral. The move is an effort to help support small and large businesses that occupy BPDA-owned properties that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, visit the BPDA’s website here.

Town officials put curfew in place for Brockton residents

Starting on Friday, a curfew will be put in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for all Brockton residents. Essential employees are exempt from the curfew.

Any and all non-essential gatherings of any size for any reason should be canceled or postponed. For essential workers gathering outside, social distancing and mask use is encouraged.

All residents are asked to wear masks or protective clothing outside their homes.

State health officials announce 137 new COVID-19 deaths

A total of 1,245 people have now died in the Commonwealth from COVID-19 after the state reported 137 new deaths Thursday.

There have been 2,263 new cases since Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases in Mass. to 32,181.

A total of 140,773 tests have been done.

NH will continue remote learning for remainder of school year

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu announced that remote learning in NH will continue for the remainder of the school year.

Mass. Governor Charlie Baker said this week that discussion regarding schools in Mass. would be had “in the coming weeks.”

Unemployment surge

Another 103,000 Massachusetts residents have filed first-time unemployment claims in the week ending April 11, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday.

That brings total unemployment claims in the state to 578,000 in the past month during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Gov. Baker to speak Thursday afternoon

Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders will give an update on the coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts at approximately 12 p.m. Thursday.

Boston 25 News will carry the news conference live on air and online.

New website to connect frontline workers with resources

A newly launched website is helping connect health care workers with resources for equipment, child care and more. Launched by Attorney General Maura Healey, FrontlineMA.org also allows ways for the public to support frontline workers and send messages of encouragement and thanks.

“Our medical providers and first responders are working nonstop to save lives, so we wanted to make it easier for them to access information about the services and support they need to take care of themselves," Healey said. “We hope that this website will serve as a useful hub for statewide resources and as a way to say thank you for the sacrifices our frontline workers are making throughout this public health crisis.”

New website launched to help connect Mass. health care workers with resources, support Attorney General Maura Healey said FrontlineMA.org will make it easier for frontline workers to find PPE, child care and other resources and the public to offer support

#SoundTheHorn for transit workers

All MBTA vehicles will sound their horns twice at 3 p.m. to honor transit workers across the region.

The MBTA joins Amtrak, New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority, New Jersey Transit, and other regional transit operators in the #SoundTheHorn campaign. Locally, the initiative is an ode to the MBTA’s 6,385 employees and transportation workers across the region who are considered “essential” workers.

Full story: Transit workers to #SoundTheHorn for transit workers

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Wednesday, April 15

Mass. RMV implementing further extensions for licenses, permits, inspection stickers and registrations

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles announced on Wednesday the agency will allow further extensions to the renewal timelines for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and licenses and permits, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Commercial Driver’s License Permits (CDLs / CLPs).

While the RMV has previously announced 60-day extensions for most credentials, passenger plate registrations and inspection stickers expired or expiring in March and April, today’s action will apply the same 60-day extension to those expiring in May. Those with March 2020 expirations impacted by the first 60-day extension, will have an additional 60-day extension applied.

Visit the RMV’s website here for more information on services and other measures put in place due to the global pandemic.

Red Sox announce fund for those impacted by COVID-19 pandemic

The Boston Red Sox announced on Wednesday the creation of the Red Sox Foundation Emergency Hardship Fund, which is meant to help people in New England and Southwest Florida who are experiencing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund was originally seeded with $300,000 by the Red Sox Foundation and is receiving additional support from multiple levels of the organization, including players, coaches and ownership. Read more here.

COVID-19 death toll in Mass. climbs over 1,000

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on Wednesday afternoon that 151 more people have died from the virus in the state, bringing the Massachusetts death toll from COVID-19 to 1,108 people in the Commonwealth.

Mass. DPH also confirmed 1,755 new positive cases of the virus in Massachusetts, raising the state total to 29,918 people who have tested positive.

Additionally, 5,472 people have been tested for COVID-19 since Tuesday, with the total number of people tested in Massachusetts now at 132,023.

Governor Baker, Mayor Walsh to speak Wednesday

Governor Charlie Baker will speak at approximately 11 a.m.

Mayor Walsh will hold a news conference at noon.

Walsh will also hold a moment of silence at approximately 2:45 p.m. in honor of One Boston Day.

Tuesday, April 14

State health officials announce 113 new COVID-19 deaths

State health officials say 957 people have now died from COVID-19 in Massachusetts.

There have been 1,296 new cases, bringing the state total to 28,163.

A total of 126,551 tests have been done.

Joint Base Cape Cod opens as state's third field hospital on Tuesday Joint Base Cape Cod opens as state's third field hospital on Tuesday

Monday, April 13

3,000 more National Guard members authorized by Gov. Baker 3,000 more National Guard members authorized by Gov. Baker

Bernie Rubin, co-founder of Bernie & Phyl’s, dies at 82 from COVID-19

Bernie Rubin, one of the co-founders of the New England furniture chain Bernie & Phyl’s, has passed away at the age of 82 after contracting COVID-19. Rubin started the business back in 1983 with his wife, Phyllis (Phyl) in Quincy. The pair had been married for 61 years. Rubin is survived by his wife, his three children, Larry, Rob and Michelle and their spouses; 10 grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

88 new COVID-19 deaths, 1,392 more positive cases announced

The death toll in Massachusetts from COVID-19 has risen to 844 on Monday after the state’s Department of Public Health announced that 88 more people have died as a result of the virus.

Additionally, Mass. DPH announced that 1,392 new people have tested positive for COVID-19 since the state released its previously latest numbers on Sunday. There are now 26,867 positive cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts.

The state has also tested 5,319 more people since Sunday, bringing the total in Massachusetts to 122,049 people tested.

Baker: Decision to reopen schools will be made in coming weeks

During his news conference on Monday, Governor Baker said a decision to reopen schools will be made in the coming weeks. They’re currently closed to May 4.

Gov. Baker, Mayor Walsh, President Trump set to speak Monday

Governor Charlie Baker will hold a news conference to give updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the Commonwealth at approximately 1 p.m.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will speak at approximately 2:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force will hold a news conference at approximately 5 p.m.

Boston 25 News will carry all news conferences live on air and online.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health announces nursing home hotline

They announced a nursing home family resource hotline where family members can get information and resources. The line is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

Dr. Jon Santiago at Boston Medical Center updates what it’s like on the front lines

Boston Medical Center ER doctor updates on coronavirus from the front lines Dr. Jon Santiago said he's seen a diversity in coronavirus symptoms of patients.

Crews ready for possible power outages as 50-75 mph winds gusts move through Some National Grid utility workers have been sequestered at locations away from their families in anticipation of weather-related outages.

Sunday, April 12

State health officials announce 70 new deaths, 2,615 new cases

Health officials announced on Sunday 70 new deaths from COVID-19 have been reported, bringing the total in the state to 756. 2,615 new cases have been confirmed & 25,475 have been reported so far. 7,954 more people were tested; a total of 116,730 have been tested since the outbreak began in Massachusetts.

Archdiocese of Boston is live-streaming Easter Masses

Every church in the Archdiocese of Boston will ring their church bells at noon as a sign of solidarity and unity. Starting at 8 a.m., the Archdiocese of Boston is live-streaming its service and they will re-air it throughout in the day.

Some other local churches are offering drive-through Easter Sunday services.

Archdiocese of Boston livestreaming Easter Masses Every church in the Archdiocese of Boston will ring their bells at noon in a sign of solidarity.

RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

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