Cambridge COVID-19 Updates

Public Health

In Cambridge, we must all take urgent action to minimize the health impacts of COVID-19.

Please do your part to:

• Avoid close contact with others as much as possible
• Wash your hands often and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects. These simple actions are among the most effective to avoid illness.
• If you have a cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your doctor's office. Do not go to the emergency room.
• If you have severe symptoms, call 911 for an ambulance.

Important Information & Guidance

• View the Current Risk in Cambridge
• Learn about COVID-19 Symptoms, Testing, & Care
• Find out about Slowing the Spread of COVID-19
• Access resources for Taking Care of Yourself & Loved Ones

What's New?

• (4/6/20) Harvard University & Massachusetts Institute of Technology Donate $500,000 to Support Cambridge’s Temporary Emergency Shelter
• (4/6/20) The Cambridge Public Health Department has shared Tips for Staying Safe While Exercising and Playing Outside as well as a list of recreational areas that are open around the region.
• (4/3/20) City of Cambridge Issues Emergency Temporary Eviction Enforcement Order
• (4/3/20) City issues Emergency Order that War Memorial, Field House and Garage be Used for a Temporary Emergency Shelter
• (4/2/20) City of Cambridge Issues Mandatory Guidelines for Approved Construction Activity.
• (4/2/20) Information about the federal economic relief package known as the CARES Act is now available.
• (4/1/20) Second Half Property Tax bills will be mailed on Tuesday April 7th. Property Tax bills can be accessed or paid online by going to cambridgema.gov/paybill.
• (4/1/20) A “Payment Mailbox” has been installed in the rear of City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave. for taxpayers who wish to make payments (checks and money orders preferred) directly to the City. Individuals using the “Payment Mailbox” option should ensure that their payments are in a sealed envelope, contain a payment stub, and include the bill number, parcel ID, or other identifying information, including a phone number on their check. Individuals can use the “Payment Mailbox” to make Real Estate, Water/Sewer, Excise, Parking Ticket, or other payments.

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Food Assistance

The health and safety of the Cambridge community is our top priority during this unprecedented time. While many of the city’s food pantries have temporarily closed, we are working to ensure that Cambridge residents have access to food during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Housing

In order to address the many concerns regarding housing and housing related needs, the Community Development Department, The Department of Human Services' Multi Service Center, and the City’s Housing Liaison are working together to stay up to date on all court related information and to respond to your questions and concerns.

Seniors

Senior residents, particularly individuals with weakened respiratory and immune systems, may be at higher risk of serious illness upon contracting COVID-19. As a unified community, we can keep our most vulnerable residents safe and healthy, both physically and mentally, by adopting specific precautionary measures.

City Services

To help mitigate the effect of COVID-19, the City of Cambridge has closed all municipal buildings and has asked non-essential staff not to report to the office beginning Tuesday, March 17th until further notice. With City offices closed, critical City services continue but there are many changes to be aware of. There are also some City available for residents to access online while offices are closed.

Schools

Cambridge Public Schools are closed until May 4th. All distance learning, bag breakfast and lunch information, and more are available on the schools' website.

Libraries

The City of Cambridge has closed all Cambridge Public Library locations to the public until further notice. During this time, patrons are asked to keep any library materials that they currently have borrowed. Book drops at all locations will be closed. To minimize the impact of this closure on patrons, loan periods will be extended to April 15.

View Library Updates

Children & Families

Access information for parents and providers about childcare programs across the state.