New infections among Cambridge residents have increased in July, with 83 confirmed and probable cases reported so far this month (July 1-20), according to the Cambridge Public Health Department. The City and the Public Health Department are closely monitoring COVID-19 case trends in Cambridge and the Commonwealth, and will continue to issue updates and critical information to the community. To stay informed, please subscribe to the city’s daily email update.
The Cambridge Public Health Department urges residents--vaccinated and not--to wear a mask and practice physical distancing in situations where transmission is likely and when around unvaccinated people, including young children.
In Cambridge, of these 83 confirmed or probable cases, 42% were vaccine "breakthrough" cases, meaning they were fully vaccinated but still got infected.
There are still many aspects of COVID-19 that are not well understood, including the long-term impacts of this disease on people. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Even among people with breakthrough infections, the vaccines have proven to be extremely effective at preventing serious illness and death. It is important to remember that no vaccine offers 100% protection against illness.
The proportion of vaccine breakthrough cases in Cambridge this month mirrors trends recently reported in Massachusetts and other states. It is unclear what's behind the uptick in infections among both unvaccinated and fully vaccinated people, but it's most likely a combination of various factors, including the increasing prevalence of the highly transmissible Delta variant in the United States and the return to everyday activities.
As a reminder, the City of Cambridge offers free COVID-19 testing 2 days per week - on Mondays and Thursdays - inside the CambridgeSide Mall. Testing is located on the 2nd Floor above the Food Court. Free parking is available in the lower-level of the garage; entrance located on CambridgeSide Place.
Remember, a negative test does not mean you cannot spread COVID-19, or get infected with COVID-19, at a later date.
For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/covid19