Face Coverings
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 recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated people, and businesses are reminded that they may continue to require the use of face masks inside their establishments if they wish.
Consistent with the City’s phased approach to reopening City buildings and programs, masks will continue to be required for all employees and visitors in municipal buildings, regardless of vaccination status, through Sunday, March 27, 2022.
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Testing
The City of Cambridge offers free COVID-19 PCR testing 7 days a week for people who live or work in Cambridge via walk-in and appointment-only testing sites.
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Vaccine Information
People age 5 and older who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccineisfree 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.
COVID-19 boosters are now available to anyone ages 12 and older. You’re eligible for a booster if:
- Pfizer: It's been at least 5 months since your second dose and you're age 12 or older.
- Moderna: It’s been at least 5 months since your second dose and you're age 18 or older.
- Johnson & Johnson: It’s been at least 2 months since your first dose and you're 18 or older.
Those 18 and older can mix and match vaccines. You do not need to get the same vaccine brand for your booster as your original COVID-19 vaccination.
Pfizer COVID-19 boosters are now available to anyone ages 12 and older who are at least 5 months post their initial Pfizer vaccination series. At this time, only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents age 12 and older.
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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 & Quarantine Guidance
The Cambridge Public Health Department has adopted the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s updated COVID-19 isolation and quarantine 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 quarantine 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.
Access Isolation and Quarantine Guidance from CPHD here.
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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