Boston Halts Construction, Closes Schools as COVID-19 Cases Reach 33

Uncategorized · Meeting of July 22, 2026

Boston halts construction and launches $20 million fund as COVID-19 cases hit 33 citywide. Mayor Marty Walsh announced Monday the suspension of all regular construction activity effective March 17, affecting tens of thousands of workers across what he called a booming industry, with sites required to be fully secured by March 23 and the policy set for review in 14 days. Walsh simultaneously unveiled the Boston Resiliency Fund, a city-philanthropic partnership with an initial $20 million goal focused on food access, student learning technology, and child care for health care workers, with early contributors including Liberty Mutual, Bain Capital, and the Gross Family Foundation.

The mayor clarified the fund would not be available to individuals for rent or bills, saying broader income relief would require state and federal action. Boston Public Libraries closed at 6 p.m. Monday, all BCYF pools and fitness centers were shuttered, and Boston Public Schools closed Tuesday.

Chief of Health and Human Services Marty Martinez said roughly 1,000 people had been tested statewide as of Monday morning, with the state targeting 1,000 tests per day in the near term.

In the full story:

• BOSTON -- March 16, 2020, Public Health Emergency Declaration and Context
• Construction Suspension
• Boston Public Schools Closure
• Library and BCYF Community Center Closures
• Boston Resiliency Fund
• COVID-19 Testing Capacity
• The complete report — 1,713 words

Source: the Uncategorized meeting of July 22, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.