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 WEEKLY REPORT CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 2, 2020

Current Cambridge Data • 1,577 confirmed, probable, and suspect cases (as of Nov. 1) • 1,303 in the community • 274 in nursing homes and assisted living • 100 deaths • 1,118 recoveries; 118 active cases (as of Nov. 1) • Avg. daily incidence rate of confirmed cases over the last 14 days (week ending Oct. 24): 3.9 per 100,000 residents (GREEN/low-risk community)

Massachusetts’ Largest Cities 14-Day Data Comparison Note: Date reflect 14-day period ending October 29, 2020 Source: https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-dashboard-october-29-2020/download Note: Data reflect the 14-day period from Oct. 11-Oct. 24, 2020 Source: https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-october-29-2020/download

Potential Drivers in Case Increase • Increase in cases regionally and nationally • Cooler weather and more time indoors • Recent increase in cases at area long-term care facilities • Reopening of workplaces, restaurants, and universities

COVID Testing Update • Expanded COVID-19 Testing: 7 days a week (56 hours) at four sites starting Nov. 9: East Cambridge, Harvard Square, and The Port • Cambridge Pandemic Collaborative formed to coordinate COVID-19 testing & vaccination • 236,296 total tests among Cambridge residents since start of pandemic; 0.16% positive in past 14 days.* • 16,478 total tests through Cambridge mobile testing sites since April; 0.1% positive in October (out of 4,811 tests). *14-day period ending Oct. 24, 2020

COVID-19 Testing in K-12 Schools • CPS staff are being tested twice a week, on a voluntary basis, as part of a surveillance program • Since Oct. 15, 1,913 COVID-19 tests have been provided to asymptomatic staff; an additional 32 tests have been provided to symptomatic staff/students. • CPHD is partnering with the Cambridge charter schools to provide technical assistance and test kits

Wastewater Data • Cambridge-based BioBot Analytics - Wastewater epidemiology to track COVID-19 • Value of early sentinel data could be substantial: • Doesn’t rely on COVID-19 testing results • Potentially offers full week head start on local response • City/CPHD local wastewater data expected later this month • Caveats: New surveillance technology; more discussion needed to consider how wastewater data will factor into local decision-making

Cambridge Community Corps CCC will remain active in November in city parks and Harvard Square. Harvard Square Initiative: • Starting Nov. 3, courtesy cards to remind people to wear their masks/coverings and may be subject to fines. • Members will speak with people in the square, on university-owned property, and in parks/green spaces. • Pilot initiative will continue at least through mid- November.

Flu Vaccination Updates • 1,912 flu vaccines given (as of Oct. 29) • CPHD has staffed 5 flu clinics so far: • Oct. 15, King Open • Oct. 21, King Open (2 sessions) • Oct. 22, King Open • Oct. 28, Starlight • Oct. 29, Starlight • CPHD has 1 remaining flu clinic scheduled: • Nov. 14, CambridgeSide - Parking Garage

CambridgeSide COVID Testing Cambridge Pandemic Collaborative • City Manager’s Office • Public Safety • Public Health / Public Works / Traffic & Park • Healthcare Partnerships • Private Sector Partnerships • COVID Testing / Flu Vaccinations / COVID Vx https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HjVp6l0Jpk &authuser=0