A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19

The Public Health Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cambridge COVID-19 UPDATE CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 20, 2021

Middlesex County and Cambridge Cases by Risk Category ↑High ↑Substantial ↑Moderate

Cambridge Cases by Age 3

Massachusetts Hospitalization Trends 4 2020 Cases 2021 Cases 2020 Hospitalizations 2021 Hospitalizations

Omicron: What We Know 5 ●Detected in 45 states, including MA, as of Dec. 19. ●Data suggest Omicron is very transmissible. ●CDC optimistic that vaccines will protect against severe illness and death; better protection with boosters; more vaccine breakthroughs and reinfections likely. ●Severity of disease is still unknown. Rapid spread of Omicron could stress hospitals regardless of severity.

Omicron: What You Can Do Get Vaccinated and Boosted ●New reality: If you’re not boosted, you’re not fully protected. Vaccination and boosters are strongly recommended for all eligible residents and single best way to protect yourself from serious illness. Wear Your Masks Indoors ●New reality: Wear your mask as much as possible: visiting homes of friends/family; dining out (except when actively eating); indoor workplaces, apartment common areas, other indoor settings. Avoid using cloth masks indoors, if possible. 6

Omicron: What You Can Do (contʼd) Carefully Consider Social Gatherings ●Decline invitations if concerned about personal risk or risk to vulnerable household or family members. ●Lowest risk: Outdoor gatherings. ●Highest risk: Indoor gatherings where people are unmasked; large indoor gatherings; gatherings with people who haven’t been boostered; and/or gatherings in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. Get Tested ●Cambridge offers free testing 5 days/ week. ●Home test kits becoming widely available. If Infected or Exposed… ●Notify close contacts directly and through MassNotify. ●Following quarantine and isolation guidance. 7

Home Test Kit Program ●Cambridge received 21,690 test kits (two tests per kit) for a total of over 43,000 tests ●Pro EMS took delivery on Friday, Dec. 17. ●Distribution began today, with assistance from Police and DPW ●Distribution to 20+ sites, targeting our most vulnerable residents ●Sites include shelters, senior housing, multi-service center, low-income housing, and community agencies. 8

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics 9 Wednesday, January 5 Pfizer Vaccine & Booster Clinic for ages 5+ Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS) Field House 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. Appointments Required