Cambridge Records 100th COVID-19 Death

The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) reported on today that the number of known COVID-19 deaths among Cambridge residents has reached 100 and that 1,380 residents have tested positive for the disease since the first cases in the city were reported on March 13, 2020.

“Today we mourn the loss of Cambridge’s 100^th resident,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “My thoughts are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Reaching this significant number of deaths reminds us to remain steadfast in our efforts in complying with public health guidance. We must continue practicing social distancing and wearing masks for our loved ones, our neighbors and ourselves – we cannot lose one more Cantabrigian.”

"On behalf of our dedicated staff and community partners, I want to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends who have lost a loved one due to COVID-19," said Claude A. Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer and director of the Cambridge Public Health Department. "This is a sad milestone and we mourn each one of these residents. This is also a reminder that the best way to keep our community safe is to support and encourage each other to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing, and wash hands frequently.”

“Today’s milestone is a solemn reminder that we are still in the midst of a public health crisis, and we must remain vigilant in adhering to practices that will minimize the spread of the virus,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “COVID-19 has taken a terrible toll on many in the Cambridge community. I want to express my heartfelt sorrow to the families who have lost loved ones to this virus. We are working tirelessly to ensure the City is doing everything it can to prevent the loss of life in our City due to COVID-19.”

Over 112,000 COVID-19 tests have been given to Cambridge residents, one of the highest test totals in the Commonwealth. The City of Cambridge has provided over 11,000 through its mobile testing program. For the most recent two-week period, only 0.14% of tests administered to Cambridge residents were positive. Over 50,800 residents have received at least one molecular COVID-19 test since March, according to state data. Additional information on cases in Cambridge is available in the Cambridge COVID-19 Data Center.

It is as important as ever to: 

• Adhere to orders requiring the use of face coverings whenever outside your home.
• Keep a 6-foot distance from people you do not live with. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If you have a cough, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache or sore throat, and/or loss of taste or smell, call your doctor's office. 
• If you have severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, and/or inability to wake or stay awake, call 911 for an ambulance immediately.

For local information on COVID-19, please visit the City of Cambridge COVID-19 web page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.