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

The Public Health Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cambridge COVID-19 UPDATE CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 10, 2022 Cambridge Public Health PCHA Cambridg Health Allianc Department

Middlesex County and Cambridge Cases by Risk Category 2000- Middlesex County CDC Transmission Risk Category Low Moderate Substantial High 1000- Cambridge CDC Transmission Risk Category • Low Moderate 500- Substantial • High Cases per 100k Residents per Week 50000000001H50 Jul 2021 Oct 2021 Jan 2021 Jan 2022 Apr 2021

Cambridge Case Rates by Age 30 - Age Group 0-11 12-15 16-19 20-49 50-65 65+ Cases per 1000 population 10- Cambridge Public Health Jan 01 Nov 01 Dec 15 Dec 01 NoV 15 Department Week 3

Omicron Update • Omicron variant is driving the January surge. • MDPH/Broad Institute estimate: Omicron accounts for over 95% of MA cases. • A growing body of evidence suggests Omicron is more transmissible but causes less severe illness than Delta. • Vaccination, especially boosters, is helping prevent severe illness and death. • The high volume of new infections are challenging hospitals in MA and U.S. Cambridge Department 4

MA COVID-19 Hospitalizations 4,000- Number of COVID-19 Patients in Hospital On Jan. 6, there were 2,637 3.500- April 4, 2020 - Jan. 6, 2022 patients hospitalized for 3.000- COVID-19 in Massachusetts. 2,500- 2,000- 1,500- Of those people, 1,106 1,000- (42%) were reported to be 500- fully vaccinated. Sep 1, 21 Jun 1, 21 Dec 1, 21 Mar 1, 21 Mar 1, 20 Jun 1, 20 Dec 1, 20 Sep 1, 20 Number of Massachusetts Hospital Admissions by Age-Past 2 Weeks - Dec. 19, 2021 to Jan. 1, 2022 681 604 590 466 326 288 228 102 30 28 21 50-59 12-17 20-29 70-79 40-49 60-69 Unknown 18-19 30-39 0-11 years 80+ years 5 years years years years years years years years

Community Impacts EMERGENCY • Hospitals in Boston/Metro West: • Non-ICU beds: ~94% occupied • ICU beds: 80%-90% occupied. • Child Care Programs/ Schools • Airline Travel • Retail/Other industries ge ealth Department

Government Response National • CDC shortened isolation and quarantine periods, in part to address continuity of operations in U.S. • CDC approved booster vaccine for 12-15 year olds. State • The state activated the Massachusetts National Guard to support hospitals and transport systems. Local • Vaccine and booster clinics • Increased PRC testing • Expanded indoor mask mandate Cambridg • Cancellation of in-person City public events Department → Dormanth 7 • Public health recommendations

CPHD Recommendations Employers • Encourage remote work where possible to protect your workforce. Individuals • Get vaccinated and boosted. • Wear high quality masks (KF94, KN95, N95) when indoors • Reconsider hosting or attending indoor social gatherings • Get tested as needed. • Follow isolation and quarantine guidance • CPHD strongly recommends negative rapid test before ending isolation after 5 days. 8

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics City Public Vaccine Clinics (Jan. 3 & 6) Moderna vaccines & boosters administered CPHD Public Clinic @ CRLS (Jan. 5) 292 Pfizer vaccines & boosters administered Senior Housing (Jan. 7-8) ~170 vaccines & boosters administered UPCOMING City Employees (Jan. 12-13) City Moderna Clinics (Jan. 10 & 13) Shelter Vaccination Clinics (Jan. 13 & 14) Cambridg Department 9