questions for the City Manager's COVID-19 update

1 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Sumbul Siddiqui Mayor TO: LOUIS A. DEPASQUALE, CITY MANAGER FROM: SUMBUL SIDDIQUI, MAYOR SUBJECT: COVID-19 UPDATE: QUESTIONS DATE: 3.22.2021 CC: CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL A communication from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting questions from City Councillors regarding the COVID-19 Public Health Update for March 29, 2021.

2 CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: March 29, 2021 COVID-19 UPDATE QUESTIONS COUNCILLOR NOLAN 1. The American Rescue Plan bill passed, and approximately $87 million will be sent to Cambridge. In light of the many pressing needs, this funding should help the city move forward on many goals - addressing home insecurity and preventing evictions, ensuring all residents know how to access vaccines, exploring municipal broadband. Have any of the funds been allocated, and what is the plan for allocating the funds? 2. As more people return to work, transportation options other than single occupancy vehicles need to be available, accessible and safe. The most sustainable and healthy form of travel is by walking, biking or public transit. The City Council and School committee have sought to provide free public transit options for residents, and there is now a statewide conversation about lowering fares. What has and can and will the city do to further those goals? MAYOR SIDDIQUI 1. What information does the expert panel have regarding the State sequencing of the 3 known COVID variants, and whether they are a factor in the current spike in cases in Massachusetts? COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER 1. According to the City’s data, the number of Cambridge COVID tests from late February through March has been the highest at any point in the pandemic. Can you provide some context for why this is?