Boston Mayor Marty Walsh warned residents Monday that the coronavirus surge is only just beginning in the city and continued to urge everyone to stay home to help delay its spread.
"The surge I've been talking about is in motion now," he said, adding that the coming two weeks are especially critical.
There are 3,916 confirmed cases and 58 coronavirus-related deaths in Boston, according to the latest data available on the city website. There are over 25,000 cases statewide, and the peak is now expected to hit sometime in late April.
Walsh said he has heard state and federal leaders talk in recent days about reopening the country. But he said it's far too soon to be having those kinds of discussions.
"That's not only unrealistic, that's completely irresponsible," he said. "We are still at the very beginning of this surge. We have to stay focused. We all want to get back to work and get back to normal society, but this is not the time to talk about that."
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"When we feel the surge is past us, we will start to continue to go forward. Restarting city government shouldn't be that hard. We are going to be working with businesses when that time comes."
Walsh also announced that on Wednesday, April 15, the seventh anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, the city will commemorate what has come to be known as One Boston Day a bit differently in past years.
Since people can't necessarily go outside to perform acts of kindness, the city will instead make it a citywide day of reflection, prayer and community. He said the city will be sharing links to ways to connect online and acts of kindness that can safely be performed at home. Walsh asked people to share their acts of kindness on social media using the hashtag #OneBostonDay.
"We will get through this difficult time together as one Boston," he said.
