Cambridge Public Health Department COVID- 19 Mask Advisory

In response to the recent spread of the Delta variant, including among vaccinated individuals, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated its mask guidance to recommend that even fully vaccinated persons wear a mask when indoors if other risk factors are present.  New COVID-19 infections among Cambridge residents increased in July.  The Delta variant is more highly transmissible than other variants, calling for greater precautions. The Cambridge Public Health Department continues to urge residents -- vaccinated and not -- to wear a mask when indoors in shared spaces.   To be extra protective, people who are living with someone who is immunocompromised may choose to wear a mask in all indoor settings beyond their own home.

COVID-19 vaccines remain extremely effective in protecting against serious illness.  However, fully vaccinated individuals can become infected with COVID-19 in so-called breakthrough cases.  Recent evidence also indicates that people who are vaccinated and infected with the Delta variant can spread COVID-19 to others.  For this reason, it is especially important for vaccinated individuals to wear a mask indoors if they:

• Have a weakened immune system;

• Are at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition;

• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines are readily available.  Unvaccinated residents are urged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from serious illness and continue to take such precautions as wearing a mask, washing hands, practicing physical distancing, and avoiding crowds and crowded indoor spaces.  

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. Additionally a third testing site will open on Sundays at 50 Church Street in Harvard Square beginning on August 8th.

For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.  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. For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.   To stay informed on an ongoing basis, please subscribe to the city’s daily email update.