Boston, MA Due to the public health emergency caused by the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) Mayor Martin Walsh  is affirmatively extending the city of Boston's order to pause non-essential construction for City of Boston permitted sites. Mayor Walsh first announced this order on March 16, and sites should have been locked down for safety by March 23. Due to the public health emergency in Boston and across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this pause is still in effect until further notice. 

"The safety and health of construction workers and all residents of Boston is my first priority, and I am not willing to put that at risk as the virus spreads throughout our communities," said Mayor Walsh. "Large gatherings such as those at construction sites have been proven to escalate the spread of the virus, and Boston must do everything in its power to flatten the curve, and stop the spread of coronavirus." 

Mayor Walsh is working with various partners including construction firms and the building trades to determine protocols that would allow these sites to safely re-open in Boston. 

This policy only applies to projects permitted by the city of Boston. The city will still allow work that is essential to the safety and well-being of Boston's residents at this time, particularly work related to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

In addition to these construction projects, the city will, on a case-by-case basis, review requests for exemptions to the temporary construction moratorium. These may be granted by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services (ISDCommissioner@boston.gov) for building-related work or the Commissioner of Public Works for street-related work. These will be granted if they support increased public health and safety and precautions are taken to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 among workers.  

Additional details about the order can be found on boston.gov. The guidance order is available online.