This is a special page for Coronavirus updates from the Mayor's Office
Esta é uma página especial para atualizações do Coronavírus do escritório do prefeito
Esta es una página especial para actualizaciones de Coronavirus de la Oficina del Alcalde
Ceci est une page spéciale pour les mises à jour du Coronavirus du bureau du maire
Update: September 13, 2024
The COVID-19 vaccine clinic that takes place on Tuesdays at the Shaw's Center is ON HIATUS until the City receives more doses of the vaccine.
INFLUENZA AND COVID-19 ALERT August 29, 2024
COVID and Flu are ON THE RISE IN BROCKTON. If you have not already done so, please consider getting the vaccines for both viruses. As of December 2023, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Health Advisory indicating an urgent need to increase vaccination rates to stop the spread.
The Brockton Board of Health is currently offering free COVID-19 vaccines every Tuesday from 1 to 4 PM at the Shaw’s Center located at 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton MA 02301.
To lower your chances of developing a respiratory illness, including COVID, be advised that in addition to vaccination you continue to observe Standard Precaution measures such as:
- Observe appropriate coughing/sneezing etiquettes. Sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue to minimize the spread of germs. Wash hands after touching your nose or mouth.
- Frequent hand washing with soap under running water or hand sanitization with alcohol based hand sanitizer.
- Use appropriate face (mouth and nose) masks, especially if you have a respiratory illness, are attending to a likely immuno-compromised person or in a crowded indoor event.
- Consider self testing for COVID-19 if you feel unwell and have any respiratory symptoms
Remember, both the flu and COVID vaccines have been updated in the fall of 2023 to target newer strains of these viruses. Therefore, if your last COVID vaccine was before September 1, 2023, there is a new one available for the current variant.
THE CITY OF BROCKTON ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO GET A FLU AND A COVID VACCINE. You may either call your Primary Care Physician or find vaccine locations at www.vaxassist.com.
The federal government has ended its free COVID-19 home test kit program. COVID-19 home test kits can be purchased at pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS and other retailers.
For more information about COVID-19, call 508-580-7123 and ask to speak with a community health worker or public health nurse.
INFLUENZA AND COVID-19 ALERT December 15, 2023
COVID and Flu are ON THE RISE IN BROCKTON. If you have not already done so, please consider getting the vaccines for both viruses. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Health Advisory indicating an urgent need to increase vaccination rates to stop the spread.
Remember, both the flu and COVID vaccines have been updated in the fall of 2023 to target newer strains of these viruses. Therefore, if your last COVID vaccine was before September 1, 2023, there is a new one available for the current variant.
THE CITY OF BROCKTON ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO GET A FLU AND A COVID VACCINE. You may either call your Primary Care Physician or find vaccine locations at www.vaxassist.com.
COVID home test kits are available at Brockton City Hall, 45 School Street.
For more information, view Dr. Herman’s latest video here: https://vimeo.com/
Need help placing an order for your at-home tests?
The City of Brockton reminds residents to wear masks indoors to stop the spread of COVID-19
A message from Brockton Pandemic Consultant, Dr. Richard Herman.
On March 14, 2020, four years ago today, the first case of Covid in the City of Brockton was identified in a 33 yo woman. Although 40,433 cases have been logged into the Commonwealth's tracking network, it is likely that more than 95% of Brockton residents have had Covid, at least once. Sadly, 544 Brockton residents, mostly seniors, died. Covid is not gone; it will be with us for a long while. But, the severity of illness has diminished greatly, with far fewer hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths. This will close the book on the weekly dashboard which will serve as an historical record of the first pandemic of the 21st century.
City of Brockton Respiratory Illness Dashboard:
Last Updated: 03/14/2024
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- Latest Reopening Guidelines as of May 24, 2021 Latest Reopening Guidelines: The Baker-Polito Administration reopening guidelines have been adjusted due to the recent announcement to lift COVID-19 restrictions on May 29th. Effective May 18, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face… Read More
- Baker-Polito Administration announces latest reopening guidelines The Baker-Polito Administration announced new reopening guidelines to support the ongoing COVID-19 response. -Effective Friday, April 30th, no masks outside in most settings. -Effective May 10th, amusement and water parks can open at 50% capacity. Road races, other organized athletics… Read More
- Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Update from MDPH, April 15th, 2021 The Massachusetts Department of Health Immunization Division has released the following recommendations for the public regarding the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 1. If you have received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine and develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness… Read More
Executive Orders and Announcements
May 5, 2022
New Telehealth program for new COVID-19 treatment, "Paxlovid".
- Massachusetts has launched a new free telehealth program to help residents easily access COVID-19 treatment
- The COVID-19 telehealth program is a quick, easy and free way for individuals to see if Paxlovid is an appropriate treatment for them. Paxlovid is a COVID-19 treatment pill taken orally that can reduce the risk for severe symptoms and hospitalization by nearly 90 percent
- This program is available to all COVID-19 positive Massachusetts residents 18 years or older who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- The telehealth visit consists of a short health intake survey and, if eligible, a video consultation with a health care clinician. During the telehealth visit, the clinician will review symptoms and risk factors, and determine if Paxlovid treatment is appropriate.
- If an individual is eligible for the treatment, the clinician will send a prescription to a local pharmacy or, if necessary, arrange for free overnight delivery to the resident's home.
- This program can be accessed at mass.gov/COVIDtelehealth
and is available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and Portuguese
February 26th, 2021
Massachusetts moving to Phase 3, Step 2
Today, Governor Baker announced that effective March 1st, the Commonwealth will move to Phase 3, Step 2 of the reopening plan. This will allow indoor performance venues, such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces, and indoor recreational activities to reopen and capacity limits across all sectors will increase to 50 percent excluding employees. For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts.
February 4th, 2021
Indoor business capacity increased
Today, Governor Baker announced that effective February 8th at 5:00 AM, businesses that are currently open and operating at 25% capacity can increase their indoor capacity to 40%. The Commonwealth will remain in Phase 3, Step 1 of the reopening plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts
January 21st, 2021
Businesses open past 9:30pm
Effective January 25th at 5:00 AM, the Baker-Polito Administration has announced that businesses that are currently open under Reopening Plan Phase 3, Step 1 may now stay open past 9:30 PM. Capacity limits remain the same. This guidance will be reevaluated on February 8th.
January 7th, 2021
Massachusetts to remain in Phase 3, Step 1
The Baker- Polito Administration announced today that Massachusetts will remain in Reopening Phase 3, Step 1 with special capacity limits until at least January 24th. This change represents a two week extension of the December 26th order. For a description of current guidelines and limits, please read below.
Current State Guidance:
Effective December 26th, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ordered all gatherings to limit the number of people in attendance to 10 for indoor gatherings and 25 for outdoor gatherings. They additionally ordered that most businesses reduce indoor capacity to 25%. This includes indoor restaurant seating, retail businesses, and offices. For sector-specific guidance, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/.../temporary-capacity-and-gathering.... These restrictions will remain in effect until January 24, 2021
January 4, 2021
December 14 Order Lifted:
On Wednesday, January 6th, at 11:59 PM, the City of Brockton Executive Order dated December 14th will be lifted. This means that the City will follow all Massachusetts reopening guidelines on COVID-19. While spaces like gyms, museums, and recreation facilities can reopen, they cannot exceed 25% indoor capacity.
Current State Guidance:
Effective December 26th, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ordered all gatherings to limit the number of people in attendance to 10 for indoor gatherings and 25 for outdoor gatherings. They additionally ordered that most businesses reduce indoor capacity to 25%. This includes indoor restaurant seating, retail businesses, and offices. For sector-specific guidance, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/temporary-capacity-and-gathering-limits. These restrictions will remain in effect until January 10, 2021.
Attention Brockton Small Businesses: Grant Assistance Available for Small Business Owners Impacted by COVID-19, Applications Open December 31st
The Sector-Specific Relief Grant Program for Massachusetts Businesses will open on December 31st for grant applications from small businesses suffering from COVID-19 related losses. Small businesses can apply to receive grants up to $75,000, but awards may not exceed more than three months of operating expenses. $668 Million in funds have been allocated to small business relief in Massachusetts from the federal government and from the Commonwealth’s own reserves.
The first round of grant funding will be dispersed to businesses that have already applied for support. Applications open on December 31st, 2020 at noon for the next funding cycle. Applications will close on January 15th, 2021 at 11:59 PM. The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation will be responsible for accepting the grant applications.
The grant application, instructions, and business eligibility requirements can be found at: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses
December 23rd, 2020:
Baker-Polito Administration Announce Additional Restrictions:
Yesterday, the Baker-Polito Administration announced additional restrictions to address the COVID-19 surge. Effective December 26th, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ordered all gatherings to limit the number of people in attendance to 10 for indoor gatherings and 25 for outdoor gatherings. They additionally ordered that most businesses reduce indoor capacity to 25%. This includes indoor restaurant seating, retail businesses, and offices. This page on Mass.gov provides sector-specific guidance. These restrictions will remain in effect until January 10, 2021.
Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that $668 Million in small business relief funds have been allocated to Massachusetts from the federal government. Grants of $75,000 have been made available to small businesses. The first round of grant funding will be dispersed to businesses that have already applied for support. Applications will reopen on December 31st, 2020 for the next funding cycle. For more information or to watch the full announcements, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/governor-updates.
December 14, 2020
Brockton returns to Phase Two, Step Two Restrictions:
Out of an abundance of caution, Mayor Robert F. Sullivan has issued an Executive Order dated December 14, 2020 that will return the City of Brockton to Phase Two, Step Two guidance on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 for a three week period.
This change in reopening guidance will necessitate the closure of indoor gyms, museums, event spaces, theaters, arcades, and recreational facilities. The decision to step back to Phase 2.2 was made in accordance with numerous conversations with other Mayors throughout the Commonwealth and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Several other cities in Massachusetts are rolling back to Phase 2.2 in light of the surge in COVID-19 cases across the Commonwealth.
Closures include:
- Indoor fitness centers and health clubs, including gyms using alternative spaces (one-on-one personal training sessions are allowed)
- Movie theaters
- Museums
- Aquariums
- Indoor recreational and athletic facilities (except for youth 18 and under). This does not apply to collegiate or professional sports. Collegiate sports teams in the City of Brockton may continue to use indoor recreational facilities and fitness centers.
- Indoor pools may remain open for all ages under pre-registration format structure limited to one person per swim lane.
- Indoor recreational venues with potential for low-contact (batting cases, driving ranges, bowling alleys, rock-climbing)
- Sightseeing and other organized tours
- Indoor historical spaces & sites
- Indoor event spaces (meeting rooms, ballrooms, private party rooms, social clubs)
- Private social clubs may continue to operate, if they serve food, consistent with restaurant guidance.
For full details please visit the Commonwealth's COVID-19 Reopening Information page:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts.
City buildings will also be closed to the public starting on December 7, 2020. The public will still be able to access City buildings by appointment. Further details on the closures can be found here.
August 21, 2020
City Curfew Announced
Due to Brockton's designation as a "higher risk" community, effective tomorrow Saturday August 22, Mayor Robert F. Sullivan has ordered a Citywide curfew for all residents and visitors between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am with exceptions for essential travel.
He is also closing the Harold D. Bent Playground at Ash Street Park; the James Edgar Playground; and the Nelson Playground (South Middle School) from the hours of 4 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Mayor Sullivan has also created a City COVID-19 Enforcement team of public health and public safety officials to combat the spread of COVID-19 and alert individuals as to the urgency of health and safety precautions and has issued protocols for fines for violations of city and state orders.
A copy of the Executive Order can be found here, and details of the City's COVID-19 Enforcement Team can be found here.
PPE is Crucial to Stopping the Spread of COVID-19
This Public Service Announcement video is very informative and it is stated in multiple languages for our City residents. The purpose is to explain certain protocols during the COVID-19 health crisis.
- Haitian Creole begins at 0:13
- Cape Verdean Creole begins at 0:53
- Spanish begins at 1:43
- English begins at 2:28
Brockton Restaurant Reopening
Pursuant to the Governor's June 2, 2020 Order No. 35, the City of Brockton is accepting applications for the temporary extension of restaurants to provide for outdoor table service. Once reviewed and approved by the City’s Outdoor Dining Advisory Board, which is made up of representatives from the City’s planning, public safety, and inspectional departments, restaurants will be able to offer expanded outdoor dining options under Phase II of the Commonwealth's reopening plan. This expedited application process will significantly decrease the timeframe for extending existing restaurants into outdoor spaces.
Guidelines and Resources
Information and Guidance for People Quarantined Due to COVID-19 (Select a Language)
Business and Employers: Unemployment Resources (Select a Language)
English | French | Portuguese | Spanish
Additional Useful Resources
MassHire
Giving job seekers the tools to find the right job, and we work closely with employers to match prospective employees.
Mass.gov/COVID19
Details about the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
Ensures the state is prepared to withstand, respond to and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters.
Centers for Disease Control
The nation’s leading science-based, data-driven, service organization that protects the public’s health.
World Health Organization
Working worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
The National Center for Healthy Housing
The preeminent national nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives by securing healthy homes for all.
Slow the Spread.
Wear a Mask.
We want remind residents of the Governor’s orders to wear masks in public to stop the spread of COVID-19. This order applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces especially where social distancing is not possible. Exceptions include children under the age of 2 and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition.