Coronavirus Information

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• At home test info 
• Information on COVID-19 Booster shots
• City of Medford COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
• State COVID-19 Updates
• Where Can I Get Vaccinated?
• What is the current case count in Medford?
• Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

If you have general questions, you can always contact the Medford Multilingual Resource Line at 781-475-5644. Note: call volume is currently extremely high, please know that we are working hard to answer your calls as soon as possible.

3/1/2022: After consulting with public health officials and department heads, the City has decided that masks will no longer be required at the Council on Aging, Medford Recreation facilities and the Medford Public Library.

Mask-wearing is still advised for people who are not fully vaccinated and at risk of developing severe infection and is always optional for those who feel more comfortable in a mask.

2/18/2022: Beginning on Tuesday, February 22, mask-wearing will no longer be required while inside City Hall, the Police Department, the Fire Department and the Department of Public Works.

For now, masks are still required at the Library, Medford Recreation and the Council on Aging but the City is reviewing policy with the Board of Health and department heads to determine how to move forward. Though the requirement has been lifted in many places, we still encourage those who are vulnerable to continue to wear masks indoors.

2/15/2022: The Medford Board of Health has lifted the indoor mask requirement for businesses. The Board of Health also voted to rescind the vaccination requirement for large-scale indoor entertainment venues like the Chevalier Theatre, though performers have the ability to require proof of vaccinations on a show-by-show basis. Both orders will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on February 16, 2022. The Board still advises mask-wearing while indoors for those who are at greater risk of developing severe infection.

More info here.

1/18/2022: The Federal Government has launched a new website where people can order free COVID-19 tests to be mailed directly to their home. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.

Order tests here.

1/11/2022:  The state announced a new option for residents to access their COVID-19 vaccination record from the state’s immunization registry and obtain a ‘SMART Health Card’ QR code to indicate proof of vaccination.

Starting today, Massachusetts residents can visit www.myvaxrecords.mass.gov, a web portal that follows national standards for security and privacy and provides residents a way to electronically view and save their COVID-19 vaccine record.

Find more info here.

1/3/2022: The CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation for the public. People with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.

Read more here.

12/22/2021:The Board of Health unanimously approved reinstating the City’s indoor mask mandate for individuals five years of age and older when inside a publicly accessible building, with a few exceptions—masks are not required for vaccinated people when sitting inside a restaurant. Indoor performance venue customers may remove mask only when eating or drinking.

Due to the high transmission of the virus in indoor settings, the Board of Health today also unanimously approved that large-scale entertainment venues, like the Chevalier Theatre, require patrons to show proof of vaccination to enter. This order took effect on December 22nd at 12:01 a.m. Masks are an effective way to protect yourself and limit the spread of the virus but the best tool we have to keep our community safe are vaccines. To help with this effort, the City will be holding weekly vaccination and booster shot clinics starting on Friday, January 7 at the Council on Aging from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Also, the City and the school district will be holding vaccine clinics for all eligible children ages 5 to 18 every Wednesday at Medford High School starting on January 5, 2022. Registration will be required, and more information will be available on the City website soon. Read the order here: http://www.medfordma.org/…/04/BOH_MASK_ORDER-12-21.pdf

12/21/2021: In response to the spread of the Delta variant and the emerging Omicron variant, the Department of Public Health now advises that all residents, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home). The DPH particularly urges this recommendation if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

For more info visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-mask-requirements

11/18/2021: Today Governor Baker announced that effective immediately, all Massachusetts residents aged 18 and over are eligible to get a COVID-19 booster six months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two months since receiving a Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine.

How to Get a Booster:

1. Visit the Vaxfinder tool at vaxfinder.mass.gov for a full list of locations to receive a booster. Residents are able to narrow results to search for locations that are offering boosters. Many locations will be booking appointments out weeks in advance.
2. For individuals who are unable to use Vaxfinder, or have difficulty accessing the internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9AM-2PM) by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts is available for assistance. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available in approximately 100 additional languages.

11/8/2021: After several weeks of declining case counts and maintaining a positivity rate of under 2%”, the Medford Board of Health, citing increased access to the COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11, voted unanimously to rescind the City’s indoor mask order for businesses. Masks are still required for all unvaccinated individuals when indoors. Masks are also required for all individuals regardless of vaccination status while indoors at City-owned facilities and other locations, like medical offices and public transportation, per state and federal guidelines.

11/3/2021: The CDC Director endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that children 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine. CDC now expands vaccine recommendations to about 28 million children in the United States in this age group and allows providers to begin vaccinating them as soon as possible. 

The City of Medford will be holding two vaccine clinics for this age group at the Andrews Middle School. The first on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the other on Saturday, November 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Insurance is NOT required. Walk-ins are welcome but pre-registration is preferred. Note that on site registration may take some time. Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To register, visit https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/medford

For more info, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/planning/children.html

9/23/2021: Yesterday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for use of a single booster dose, to be administered at least six months after completion of the primary series in:

• individuals 65 years of age and older;
• individuals 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19; and
• individuals 18 through 64 years of age whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 puts them at high risk of serious complications of COVID-19 including severe COVID-19.

Today’s authorization applies only to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Read more here.

9/7/2021: Citing the increase in positive cases due to the spread of the Delta variant, The Medford Board of Health approved a mask order for customers and employees at indoor public facilities at its emergency meeting on September 7. The order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 10 and will be reevaluated at the next regularly scheduled Board of Health meeting. Read the order here.

8/20/2021: Due to the spread of the Delta variant, the City of Medford is requiring that masks be worn inside all City facilities, regardless of vaccination status, effective Monday, August 23. Masks greatly reduce the spread of the virus and help protect you and your fellow colleagues from getting sick. Free masks are available at the Board of Health office located in City Hall if you need them.

Archive of previous COVID-19 news and information

8/18/2021: US health officials recommend that all Americans get COVID-19 booster shots to shore up their protection amid the surging Delta variant.

The plan, as outlined by the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health officials, calls for an extra dose eight months after people get their second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. The doses could begin the week of Sept. 20. Read more here: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0818-covid-19-booster-shots.html

7/30/2021: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued new guidance today regarding mask wearing. Fully vaccinated individuals are advised to wear a mask or face covering when indoors outside of your home if you have a weakened immune system, are at increased risk for COVID-19 or if someone in your household is at increased risk or unvaccinated. Masks are still mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings. For more information visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-mask-requirements.

7/21/2021:Medford has seen a slight uptick of cases this past week, reaching as high as 8 per day—a number the City has not seen since late April. Getting vaccinated greatly reduces your risk of contracting, spreading and experiencing severe symptoms of the virus. If you have not yet been vaccinated visit our walk in clinic in the parking lot behind City Hall on July 28 and August 4 from 3:30-6:30. If you’d rather register for an appointment visit maimmunizations.org/appointment/en/reg/3596905129 for the July 28 clinic, and maimmunizations.org/appointment/en/reg/9257501693 for the August 4 clinic.

Can’t make these clinics? Dozens of facilities in the City offer the vaccine, visit vaxfinder.mass.gov to find one!

6/23/2021: The Medford Board of Health is launching a weekly pop-up vaccine clinic at two locations in the City beginning on June 23. This new targeted effort brings doses directly into the community and limits barriers for people seeking to be vaccinated.

The two sites, Medford Square behind City Hall (85 George P. Hassett Dr) and Mystic Community Market (291 Mystic Avenue) will alternate weeks and be stocked with the Moderna, Pfizer and Janssen vaccine. People ages 12 and up are welcome and all will receive a $25 gift card courtesy of the Malden YMCA. Vaccines and gift cards are limited and health insurance is not required to get vaccinated.

6/21/2021: The New England Bangladeshi American Foundation,Inc. is partnering with the Islamic Cultural Center of Medford to hold a vaccine clinic at the Center (43 High Street) on Saturday, June 26 from 9a-12p. The Pfizer vaccine will be available for people 12 and older.

Walk ins are welcome or you can register for a specific time at https://calendly.com/pelmedscovid/new-england-bangladesh-american-foundation?month=2021-06&fbclid=IwAR1sv69dmAgkV3jP3EHTYsL0ZG9hWTi2Hlk71mCzNWkE8x0CK0emLkNvJQA

6/11/2021: The Medford Board of Health is holding 4 vaccine clinics throughout the City over the next several days. Walk-ins welcome, registration preferred.

• June 11, 10a-12p – La Prise Village: register at: https://www.maimmunizations.org/appointment/en/reg/9265168099
• June 16, 3:30-6:30p – Mystic Community Market: register at: https://www.maimmunizations.org/appointment/en/reg/8556409129
• June 16, 5-7p – Willis Ave Community Center: register at: https://www.maimmunizations.org/appointment/en/reg/9012029569
• June 19, 10a-12p – West Medford Community Center: register at: https://www.maimmunizations.org/appointment/en/reg/5129689056

5/29/2021: Governor Baker signed an Executive Order ending the state of emergency on June 15, 2021. The Order also rescinds most COVID-19 restrictions, including limitations placed on businesses.

Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for masks in public and private transportation systems, hospitals and other facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted at that time, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. All gathering limits will also be rescinded.

To continue certain public health requirements, like requiring face coverings in certain settings, to remain effective past June 15, Governor Baker today issued a modified declaration of a public health emergency under the public health statute.

Under this order, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Public Health will be proposing to the Public Health Council the continuation of some public health orders in the coming weeks to maintain flexibilities and policies for vaccination, testing and other critical operations.

5/25/2021: Governor Baker will file legislation to extend certain emergency measures currently in place via executive orders that are set to expire on June 15 when the State of Emergency will be rescinded. Most restrictions, including limitations placed on businesses, will be rescinded effective May 29 as Massachusetts nears the goal of vaccinating four million residents.

This legislation proposes to extend measures providing for a temporary suspension of certain open meeting law requirements, special permits for expanded outside dining at restaurants, and billing protections for COVID-19 patients. When the State of Emergency ends, these orders will expire, and temporarily extending these measures will allow for time to transition. Extending these measures, which were instituted by executive order, requires legislation.

To allow public bodies to safely meet during the pandemic and ensure public access to meetings, Governor Baker issued an Executive Order in March 2020 allowing these bodies to meet quorum requirements even if meetings were held remotely through electronic means as long as measures were taken to ensure the public with electronic access to the proceedings. The bill filed by Governor Baker today will extend these provisions related to the Commonwealth’s Open Meeting Law until September 1, 2021, which will allow additional time to consider possible permanent changes to the open meeting law to provide for greater flexibility in conducting open meetings through reliance on electronic streaming and similar measures.

The bill will also grant municipalities authority to extend special permits for restaurants offering outdoor dining issued under the State of Emergency through November 29, 2021. Under an Executive Order issued in 2020, municipalities were permitted to use an expedited process to approve temporary permits for new or expanded outdoor dining and alcohol service. Without a legislative extension, special permits granted under the Governor’s Order will expire 60 days after the end of the State of Emergency.

The legislation will also extend a protection adopted in an executive order that prohibits medical providers from billing patients who have received COVID-related emergency and inpatient services for charges in excess of costs paid by their insurers. As filed, the protection would extend until January 1, 2022, at which time recently passed federal legislation that included protections for both emergency and non-emergency cases will become effective. Earlier this year, Governor Baker signed legislation establishing surprise billing protections for patients for non-emergency services.

5/21/2021: Governor Baker announced plans to close the Commonwealth’s vaccine preregistration system by the end of May. The COVID-19 Vaccine Finder at vaxfinder.mass.gov will remain available, with over 900 locations listed across the state.

The Administration also announced the expansion of the state’s Homebound Vaccination Program to support in-home vaccinations for all eligible residents who are unable to get to a vaccine site, beginning Monday, May 24.

Homebound Vaccination Program: Beginning Monday, May 24, the Administration will expand the state’s Homebound Vaccination Program to support in-home vaccinations for all eligible residents who are unable to get to a vaccine site. This expansion will support continued vaccination of hard-to-reach populations and supports the Administration’s goal to make COVID-19 vaccines readily available.

 The Administration launched the Homebound Vaccination on March 29 for individuals who met specific federal criteria, such has requiring significant supports to leave the home for a medical appointment. Beginning May 24, any individual who has trouble getting to a vaccine site is eligible for the homebound program.

Individuals can call (833) 983-0485 to register for an in-home vaccination. The registration phone line is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and has representatives who speak English and Spanish, as well as translation services available in 100+ languages.

After registering, individuals will be called within five business days by the state’s Homebound Vaccine Provider, Commonwealth Care Alliance, to schedule an appointment. It may take some time to get an appointment, and the quickest way to get vaccinated remains to schedule an appointment at a vaccination site by visiting VaxFinder.mass.gov.

The Homebound Program is primarily using Johnson & Johnson vaccines, a safe and effective vaccine that only requires one visit to an individual’s home. For individuals 12-17 years old who are homebound and would need significant support to leave the home to get to a medical appointment, the Homebound Program is offering Pfizer vaccines. Homebound youth are encouraged to register for the Homebound Program by Friday, May 28 to ensure that an in-home vaccination can be scheduled during the month of June.

More information on the Homebound Vaccination Program here.

5/17/2021: Governor Baker announced that all remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted effective May 29.

The Commonwealth’s face covering order will also be rescinded on May 29. The Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.

Governor Charlie Baker will end the State of Emergency June 15.

The Administration also announced updates that will be effective May 18 to revise face covering requirements for youth and amateur sports and other guidance relating to childcare programs and K-12 schools. The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps effective May 29.

Effective May 29

Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

All industries will be encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols.

On May 18, 2020, the Administration published the reopening phases, which called for ending restrictions when vaccines became widely available. Today, there are over 975 locations for Massachusetts residents to access vaccines without delay.

Face Covering Guidance

In line with updated CDC face covering guidance, the Administration will rescind the current face covering order and issue a new face covering advisory effective May 29.

Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The advisory will also recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations.

Face coverings will still be required for all individuals on public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), healthcare facilities and providers, congregate care settings and health and rehabilitative day services.

Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers.

Link to mask guidance

Youth and Amateur Sports Face Covering Guidance

Effective May 18, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face coverings for youth athletes 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted.

Link to youth sports guidance

K-12, Early Education and Summer Camp Guidance

Effective May 18, guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Early Education and Care will be updated to no longer require masks for outdoor activities like recess and to allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms, in both K-12 and childcare settings. This guidance will remain in effect beyond May 29.

The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps, effective May 29, which will include no longer requiring masks for outdoor activities.

Link to DESE guidance

Link to EEC guidance

5/13/2021: Now that eligibility of the Pfizer vaccine is open to people ages 12-15, those who qualify can begin to book appointments at any locations offering the Pfizer vaccine today.

Consent for people 12-17 years of age

Currently, people ages 12-17 can only get the Pfizer vaccine.

A legally authorized representative (usually a parent or guardian) must give permission (also called consent) for vaccination for someone 12-17 years of age, such as by completing a written consent form that the minor (the person under the age of 18) can bring to their vaccination appointment. Please contact the vaccination location for more information on written consent, or download a copy of the consent form below. People aged 12-17 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. 

The parent or guardian does not need to go with the minor to their vaccination appointment to give consent. If the parent or guardian is not accompanying the minor, they should download and complete a pre-vaccination screening form, available at mass.gov/CDCScreeningForm. The form is available in several languages.

There are different ways to find a vaccine appointment:

• Use VaxFinder.mass.gov to search for appointments at pharmacies, health care providers, and other community locations
• Preregister at VaccineSignUp.mass.gov to be notified when it’s your turn to schedule an appointment at a mass vaccination or regional collaborative location.

Is the vaccine safe?

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe. COVID-19 vaccines available in Massachusetts are made by three companies: Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen. These vaccines were authorized by the Federal Food and Drug Administration only after they were shown to be safe and effective in studies (called clinical trials).

Currently, people aged 12-17 can only get the Pfizer vaccine.

The U.S. ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible.

In Massachusetts, a group of infectious disease experts reviewed the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. This workgroup confirmed that the COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the FDA are safe and effective.

We understand the importance of being open and honest about the safety and development of the vaccine— especially for communities who have suffered consequences of medical mistreatment.

Hear from Dr. Lloyd Fisher, President of the Massachusetts Academy of Pediatrics about the safety of the COVID vaccine for children:

For more info, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccinations-for-people-under-age-18

5/12/2021: The regional vaccination site at the Gantcher Center at Tufts University is accepting walk-in appointments Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

First and second doses of Pfizer will be administered. Members of the public are welcome and may park for free in the lot located directly across the street. Spanish and Portuguese translators will be present on-site, and all other languages will be accommodated.

Please note, individuals ages 16-17 will need permission from a parent to receive a vaccine. As of now, our site cannot administer doses to youth ages 12-15. While the Food and Drug Administration has approved expanding use for the Pfizer vaccine to include this age group, the Centers for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health must still give final approval.

The Cambridge Health Alliance COVID-19 Testing site at 77 Middlesex Avenue (Assembly Square) in Somerville will close on Friday, May 28 at 4 p.m.

Testing is still available to Medford residents ages 8 and older regardless of symptoms at the Somerville CHA site until May 28. Appointments are required and can be made by calling: 617-665-2928.

• Additional testing location in Medford: Physician One Urgentv Care at 4110 Mystic Valley Parkway in Medford is open for in-person and video testing appointments. Book here.

Medford COVID-19 FAQ

Is there an indoor mask mandate in Medford?

Yes. In August, Mayor Lungo-Koehn instituted an indoor mask order for all City-owned facilities on everyone ages 5 and up. On September 7th the Medford Board of Health unanimously adopted an indoor mask order for individuals ages 5 and up in all publicly accessible buildings, with a few exceptions. masks are not required for people when sitting inside a restaurant or for vaccinated patrons of a gym as long as social distancing is possible.  Private office spaces are exempt from wearing a mask when not interacting with the public. Indoor performance venue customers may remove masks only when eating or drinking. This order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 10 and will be reevaluated at the next Board of Health public meeting. Read the order here and the press release on the order here. Not sure what type of mask to get? The CDC has guidelines for what types of masks are effective at preventing spread and tips on how to best wear one.

Does my child have to wear a mask in school?

All children, ages 3 and older, along with school staff must wear a mask when inside school facilities regardless of vaccination status. This policy was recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and enacted by the School Administration prior to the beginning of the school year. For more info visit https://www.mps02155.org/update-on-covid-19-protocols-from-city-of-medford-and-mps/.

Does my child have to wear a mask if they are playing sports?

If your child plays an indoor sport, such as basketball, volleyball, or wrestling, then they must wear a mask. There is no mask requirement for outdoor sports.

Do I have to wear a mask or socially distance if I’m outside in Medford?

Per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance, if you are vaccinated, you do not have to wear a mask or socially distance if you are outside. If you are unvaccinated you must wear a mask outdoors if you are unable to socially distance.

How many COVID-19 cases does Medford have?

The numbers are updated daily and always changing. As of September 1, 2021 there were 6,100 total positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. Visit https://www.medfordma.org/coronavirus-information for a more detailed breakdown of statistics.

Where can I go to get a COVID-19 test?

You can find where to get a test by visiting https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test or by browsing this handy interactive map of testing locations in and around Medford.

Where can I get vaccinated?

You can find the nearest location administering the vaccine at https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/. You can also visit any CVS, Walgreens or Stop & Shop in Medford and get the vaccine (subject to availability).

How can I stay up to date with COVID-19 news and information from the City?

There are multiple ways for you stay informed with all the latest information from the City and Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn. First sign up for City Alerts by clicking here. Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter by emailing alerts@medford-ma.gov.

If your question is not answered here, you can call our Multilingual Resource Line at 781-475-5644 or call the Board of Health at 781-393-2560. For more information on the City’s COVID response as well as case and vaccination data, visit medfordma.org/coronavirus-information.

For info on Homebound and Mobile Vaccination Information click here. 

COVID-19 Business Letter