Cambridge Announces First COVID-19 Death

The Cambridge Public Health Department announced today the first death of a city resident due to complications from COVID-19. The resident, a male in his 80s, had been hospitalized with COVID-19. 

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the first COVID-19 related death of a Cambridge resident,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis DePasquale. “Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones during this time. We know Cambridge residents will collectively mourn the loss of one of our own. This reality is a reminder that we must continue doing our part to mitigate the spread of this virus, and make sure we are supporting one another during this time.”  

Read the full media release below or download PDF. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 29, 2020

Media Contact:  Suzy Feinberg, Public Information Officer, Cambridge Public Health Department

Cell: 617-455-2671 |  Email: sfeinberg@challiance.org | @CambHealth

Cambridge Announces First COVID-19 Death

CAMBRIDGE, MA (March 29, 2020) — The Cambridge Public Health Department announced today the first death of a city resident due to complications from COVID-19. The resident, a male in his 80s, had been hospitalized with COVID-19. 

“On behalf of the entire city, we express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the resident who passed away as a result of this illness,” said Claude Jacob, the city’s Chief Public Health Officer and Director of the Cambridge Public Health Department. 

A total of 70 Cambridge residents and 4,955 Massachusetts residents have tested positive for COVID-19, as of March 29.  Statewide, 48 Massachusetts residents have died from the disease, as of March 29. 

The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 remains high in the city, state, and nation. The number of Cambridge and Massachusetts residents infected with COVID-19 continues to rise due to widespread community transmission of the coronavirus and increased testing.  Widespread community transmission means that people are contracting the illness, but the specific source of the infection is unknown. 

Because the coronavirus is circulating widely in the community, all Cambridge residents should consider themselves at risk for infection. To help protect the health of loved ones and health care workers, the health department strongly urges residents to: 

• Maintain a safe separation of at least 6 feet from people not in your household. 
• Cancel in-person social gatherings and children’s play dates, even those with just a few people.
• Avoid crowds of any size.
• Refrain from shaking hands, high fives, and hugs.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick. 
• Visit grocery stores and pharmacies less frequently and when they are less crowded.
• Limit unnecessary travel. 

For current local guidance and information about health-related concerns or questions, please visit the City of Cambridge COVID-19 public health web page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/publichealth.