questions for the 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: 6.3.2021 CC: CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL A communication from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting questions from City Councillors regarding the COVID-19 Public Health Update for June 7, 2021.

2 CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: June 7, 2021 COVID-19 UPDATE QUESTIONS VICE MAYOR MALLON 1. The Cambridge Public Library recently announced that the Main Library will be opening for limited hours starting next week but has advised that the branch libraries won't open until late June or early July. Given that all the COVID restrictions have been lifted by the Governor as of 5/29, and surrounding municipalities like Boston and others have announced full openings of their branch libraries by mid-June, what is the plan to move the timeline up to both fully open the main library, and open all our branch libraries by 6/15 to be in line with other communities? 2. As we have seen in Cambridge, and across the country, first vaccine shot percentages are levelling off, and we will struggle to fill in that last 30% of unvaccinated residents without an aggressive mobile plan. What is our plan to leverage the mobile nature of our Fire and Public Health teams who are ready, willing, and able to go into the community to meet residents where they are? How are we planning to be creative about using this team to go to barber shops, workplaces, parks, community events, schools etc. to ensure we are reaching each resident in the City? COUNCILLOR NOLAN 1. Testing is not required as much, since the cases are much lower, and the city’s efforts continue to result in low cases and less demand for testing. Which has meant the city is focused on vaccinations - has the suggestion the Vice Mayor made about using the firefighters to have a mobile vaccination vehicle go to any place in the city where residents still need vaccinations been considered for implementation now? 2. As the requirements on distancing end, what is the city doing to ensure that materials that were used – lots of plastic, propane heaters etc. – which are unsustainable are not just thrown out, thereby contributing to further environmental damage? COUNCILLOR SIMMONS 1. Where will the community be able to get information on best practices regarding mask-wearing and social distancing (with the state lifting restrictions, but some businesses and houses of worship possibly having different rules and regulations)? 2. Are there specific guidelines being offered for houses of worship on re-opening safely and what activities are permissible (and how those activities can be carried out)?

3 COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER 1. According to the City’s analysis, what date does Cambridge need to stop using Zoom for meetings and public comment by according to the Governor’s recent declarations, if at all? What is the City doing to publicize any planned changes to residents? MAYOR SIDDIQUI 1. Are there any vaccine clinics planned for the Upper Schools?