Masks
Effective Monday, March 14, 2022, the City of Cambridge is following the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s mask advisory for vaccinated and unvaccinated residents consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mask guidance and will not require the use of face masks in indoor public places in Cambridge.
Residents are encouraged to follow the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and CDC mask recommendations, and businesses are reminded that they may continue to require the use of masks inside their establishments if they wish.
The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) strongly supports wearing masks in indoor settings outside the home, especially when the virus is widely circulating in the community. Learn more.
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Testing
Vaccine Information
People age 5 and older who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine is free and one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick from COVID-19. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated.
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When an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
Information for employers when an employee tests positive for COVID-19 via a PCR or at-home test is provided by the Cambridge Public Health Department:
Isolation & Exposure Guidance
The Cambridge Public Health Department has adopted the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s updated COVID-19 isolation and exposure guidance, with some additional recommendations. The CPHD recommendations are as follows:
- If you test positive, you must isolate for at least 5 days (until symptoms are resolving) and wear a mask for 10 days. CPHD strongly recommends taking a rapid antigen test (home test) and receiving a negative result before ending home isolation after Day 5.
- If you are exposed, CPHD strongly recommends taking a PCR or antigen test on Day 5, regardless of vaccination or booster status. If you test positive, you should stay home and follow MDPH isolation guidance.
- If you test positive or are exposed, you must wear a mask throughout the 10-day isolation or exposure period. CPHD strongly recommends wearing a well-fitting, high quality mask, such as a KF94, KN95, or N95 mask. CPHD discourages the use of cloth masks because they do not provide adequate protection.
City Departments & Offices
Walk-in access by the public is available Monday through Friday during regular City business hours (Monday, 8:30am-8pm, Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30am-5pm, and Friday, 8:30am-12pm), and in-person public appointments continue to be offered by many departments.
All Cambridge Public Library locations have reopened to the public. View Library hours.
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