The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 remains high in Cambridge, the state, and the nation.
Massachusetts is among the states currently experiencing widespread community transmission of COVID-19. This means that residents are contracting the illness but the specific source of the infection is unknown.
In Cambridge and the Commonwealth, the number of residents infected with COVID-19 continues to rise due to increased community transmission and increased testing. Because there is widespread community transmission, the Cambridge Public Health Department believes that all residents should consider themselves at risk for infection.
Some groups are at higher risk for exposure to the coronavirus than the general population, including:
- People who have close contact with individuals with COVID-19.
- People who work in health care settings, particularly those caring for COVID-19 patients.
- People who have recently returned (in the past 14 days) from areas of the U.S. where there is ongoing community spread of the virus, which now includes Massachusetts.
- People who have recently returned (in the past 14 days) from any of the "high risk" (level 3) countries identified by the CDC. See the CDC’s list Travelers Returning from High Risk Countries/
Last updated by the Cambridge Public Health Department on March 27, 2020.
What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing is an effective way to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in our community. By slowing the spread, we have a chance to protect family and friends at greater risk for serious illness and the health care workers who care for people with COVID-19.
What You Can Do:
For social distancing to be effective, it is essential we all do our part. Changing our behavior is never easy. But we all start practicing social distancing—keeping a six-foot distance from people we don’t live with—we will slow the spread of COVID-19 in Cambridge.
The following social distancing tips are for people who are healthy:
- Avoid crowds of any size.
- Maintain a safe separation of at least six feet from others.
- Refrain from shaking hands, high fives, and hugs.
- Cancel in-person social gatherings.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Be sure to limit unnecessary travel.
- Consider going to the grocery store at off-peak hours.
If you are sick with COVID-19, please follow the CDC’s guidelines to protect the people you live with and the community.
Misconceptions about Social Distancing:
- Social Distancing does not mean social isolation. You can also be social through social media, video chats/conferences, or by phone. You can also write letters or cards. Checking on friends, family, and neighbors is a great way to stay connected and be supportive of others who may be feeling alone or isolated.
- Social distancing does not mean you cannot leave your home. When going outside, be sure to avoid crowds and maintain a safe separation of at least six feet from others. Walking outside alone or in a small group is a good way to exercise and prevent stress.
Resources on Social Distancing:
What Cambridge Employers Can Do About Social Distancing:
On March 23, Governor Charlie Baker issued a stay-at-home advisory through April 7, asking all non-essential businesses to stop in-person operations.
For workers who must be physically present in a workplace, such as health care and long-term care workers, public safety personnel, pharmacy, and supermarket employees, employers can help ensure their safety by:
- Strongly discouraging older employees (age 60+) and those with chronic health conditions from coming into the workplace.
- Following recommendations for social distancing such as keeping an approximate six foot distance from other people and recognizing that this will not be achievable in all settings.
- Ensuring that soap/sanitizers are available and that participants engage in proper handwashing and hand-hygiene practices.
- Ensuring that cleaning and disinfection guidelines for COVID-19 are followed.
If you or a family member develop symptoms of COVID-19—which include fever, sore throat, loss of sense of smell, cough, and/or shortness of breath—call your health care provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure. They will decide whether you need to be tested.
If you are not able to get tested, but believe you may have COVID-19, take the same precautions as if you tested positive.
Keep in mind that there is no treatment nor vaccine for COVID-19. People who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home.
If you have severe symptoms: Call 9-1-1 for an ambulance. The dispatcher should be alerted that you may have COVID-19 so that appropriate precautions can be taken. Severe symptoms include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
- Other symptoms that are severe or concerning
The information is from the Cambridge Public Health Department, current as of March 27, 2020.