A public health update

How it started

Jan 9, 2023 · Submitted by Yi-An Huang, City Manager.

What happened

Jan 9, 2023 · 📁 Placed on file. This was an informative report; there were no decisions to make. (unanimous · two absent)

Voted yes (7), unanimous

Burhan Azeem
Dennis Carlone
Alanna Mallon
Marc McGovern
Patty Nolan
Paul F. Toner
Sumbul Siddiqui

Absent (2)

E. Denise Simmons
Quinton Zondervan

Roll call of Jan 9, 2023 · from the council’s minutes · photos: City of Cambridge

What’s next

🚪 End of the line: filing closes the matter. Nothing further is scheduled.

The document Agenda item attachment · 10 pages

🏛 This item on the city's site 📄 Download original PDF 📖 Full reader view

RSV/Flu Update

●RSV positivity & hospitalizations continue to decline regionally and nationally. ●Influenza-like illness (ILI) remain very high but may be plateauing. ●Second flu spike possible based on last year, southern hemisphere experience. ●There’s still time to get your flu shot! 7

CPS COVID Update

●Masks strongly recommended through January 13th, testing prior to return ●25 reported cases the week of January 2, mostly home test results ●For comparison, there were 39 reported cases in the week prior to vacation 8

Testing Update

●Promotion of free rapid tests ●CPHD support for people who test positive: [phone removed] ●Shift in testing strategy due to decreased need of PCR testing ●Ability to deploy mobile PCR testing if needed 9

Testing Update

●60,000+ rapid tests/masks received Friday ●Tests will be available daily at CPHD, other sites TBD ●Broader distribution before/after school vacations, holidays ●Continued provision of tests to Cambridge Housing Authority, shelters, child care, community partners 10

🗓 The meeting where this was taken up: Jan 9, 2023