On Sept. 24, 1918, Massachusetts Governor Samuel W. McCall held a conference call with state health and safety officials, the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Red Cross, and nurse association representatives to address the epidemic. There were thousands of cases in and around Boston, with dozens of deaths occurring daily due to influenza and pneumonia.

Governor McCall issued a proclamation for assistance in the fight against the epidemic and to close schools and public spaces. Effective September 25, all public schools in Boston were closed indefinitely

The biggest issue: Massachusetts had been drained of physicians and nurses due to the calls for military service, and no longer had enough personnel to meet the civilian demand for healthcare.