2019 Novel Coronavirus

The City of Malden’s resource page for the COVID-19 Coronavirus is full of information from local, state and federal resources.  To help keep our residents safe, we recommend that you follow these steps to stay informed and safe: 

  • Regularly visit this page as it will change frequently
  • Subscribe to our Public Health Website Alerts to receive text or email alerts when any new or major changes occur in 
  • Register for our Public Alert system to receive important broadcast alerts via text and/or phone.
  • Share these resources with other Malden residents who are not aware of this page, do not have access to the internet or do not speak English as their primary language. 

COVID-19 Vaccinations

The State of Massachusetts has laid out the details for the rollout of the COVID-19 VaccineThe Baker-Polito Administration and the Department of Public Health developed a vaccine distribution timeline after extensive consultation with the Massachusetts Vaccine Advisory Group, made up of leaders from health care, the faith community, community organizations, local government, and others. The timeline reflects several priorities: protecting our most vulnerable, maintaining health care system capacity, and addressing inequities in health care access and COVID-19 burden. Vaccine distribution in MA will occur in a phased approach:
  • Phase 1 which includes first responders, healthcare workers, long term care facilities, congregate care settings, home-based and other healthcare workers..  See the Phase 1 plan in full detail. 
  • Phase 2 includes individuals with 2+ comorbidities and/or age 75+, early education workers, grocery, utility, food and agriculture, sanitation, public works and public health workers. Also adults 65+ and all individuals with one comorbidity. See the Phase 2 plan in full detail. 
  • Phase 3 which includes the general public who will be able to find vaccine locations using the CDC's interactive website. 

Malden COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Initiative

Weekly Vaccine Equity Allocation: The 20 equity communities receive additional COVID-19 vaccine allocations for priority populations that are separate and apart from weekly allocations that come from the state and federal government to other providers (e.g. mass vaccination sites, regional collaboratives, community health centers and pharmacies). This additional weekly equity allocation is between 400 and 1000 doses, based on municipality population.

As a municipality with a population greater than 50,000 but less than 100,000, Malden’s equity allocation is 600 doses of COVID-19 vaccine per week.

Malden has been allocated a  total of 4,000 additional equity vaccine doses as of April 16, 2021.


Learn More about the vaccine equity resources available to Malden.

Reopening Status

In accordance to Governor Baker issued phases to re-opening, key public health metrics will determine if and when it is appropriate to proceed through reopening phases. We each have a collective responsibility to ensure that reopening proceeds smoothly and safely. Everyone must follow public health directives and use common sense to protect yourself, your family, your neighbors, and vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth.
  • Reopening Massachusetts report
  • Submit questions and comments about Reopening Massachusetts

Effective March 1, 2021 Governor Baker’s order advances to Step 2 of Phase III which includes the following: 

  • Indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity with no more than 500 persons 
  • Indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact (laser tag, roller skating, trampolines, obstacle courses) will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity 
  •  Capacity limits for several industries will be increased to 50% and exclude employees. Some of the sectors include the following:
    • Arcades and other Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Businesses 
    • Close contact personal services 
    • Driving and Flight schools 
    • Fitness Centers and Health Clubs 
    • Golf Facilities (indoor) ▪ Libraries 
    • Operators of Lodging (common spaces) 
    •  Museums, Cultural and Historic Facilities, Guided Tours 
    • Office Spaces ▪ Places of Worship ▪ Theaters and Performance Venues
  • Restaurants will no longer have a percent capacity limit and will be permitted to host musical performances. However, 6 feet social distancing, six people per table and 90-minute limits remain in place. Food courts remain closed.

Effective March 22, Governor Baker’s order advances to Step 1 of Phase IV but only if public health metrics continue to improve. The following industries will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity:

  • Indoor and outdoor stadiums
  • Arenas
  •  Ballparks

(Venues with capacity under 5,000 are subject to the Indoor and Outdoor Performance venue guidance and larger venues will be required to submit a safety plan to the Department of Public Health).

  • Gathering limits:
    • Event Venues and Public Settings: 100 people indoors and 150 outdoors 
    • Private Settings (this includes private residences): 10 indoors and 25 outdoors
  • Dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events only 
  • Overnight camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer 
  • Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols.

All other Phase IV industries must continue to remain closed. Also, effective March 22, the Massachusetts Travel Order will be replaced with a Travel Advisory.

How to Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

  1. Check your eligibility . 
    • To get vaccinated in Phase 1 or 2, you will need to confirm that you are part of a currently eligible group within those phases. This is called “attesting.”
    • You may be asked to attest online or over the phone when booking.
    • If you are not asked when booking, you will be asked to attest when you arrive at your appointment. Vaccination locations will likely have an attestation form available, however, you can fill out the COVID-19 Massachusetts Vaccination Attestation Form and bring it with you to your appointment to be prepared. 
  2. If you are currently eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine follow the steps below to book an appointment.
    • Find a location and schedule an appointment online
      • Individuals 75 and older without access to the internet or who are unable to schedule their appointment online can call toll free 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 for assistance. Language interpretation will be available.
      • Malden residents who have questions or would like to schedule an appointment for the vaccine can call the Malden COVID-19 Vaccine information line at (781)661-8500. Language interpretation will be available by request.
  3. Prepare for your appointment.
    • Bring an ID with your name, if you have one, to verify your name in the vaccination system. You can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine without insurance or an ID.
    • Bring your health insurance card, if you have one. Your insurance will be billed at no cost to you. You do not need to be insured to receive the vaccine.
    • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.

What to know before going to your COVID-19 Vaccine appointment

  1. The vaccine is free. You will never be asked for a credit card number to make an appointment.
  2. You must make an appointment to get a vaccine.
  3.  The vaccine requires two doses. You should make sure you have a second appointment scheduled from the same site, or know how to schedule it, before leaving your first appointment.
  4. If you need public transportation, use the MBTA trip planner.
  5. Mystic Valley Elder Services is offering free rides to residents age 60+ can contact MVES at (781) 324-7705 to request a ride to your vaccine appointment. (Please make sure you have your appointment already scheduled)
  6. You must confirm you are eligible for your phase.
  7. You can get a vaccine even if you do not have insurance, a driver’s license, or a Social Security number.

Current Rules and Guidelines

List of the current restrictions and guidance from City, State and Federal.

Resources to Help

Resources to help businesses and individuals during COVID-19

Your Health and Wellbeing

List of health resources for you to stay well or get well.