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Following a thorough safety review, including two meetings of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that the recommended pause regarding the use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine in the U.S. should be lifted and use of the vaccine should resume.

The City of Cambridge issued an emergency order requiring that face masks or coverings be worn in indoor public places. The order takes effect at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, September 3, 2021. It applies to everyone over the age of two years old, with exceptions in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.

Cambridge Police officers have been undergoing new training to learn how to deploy multiple less lethal launchers to a scene. Currently, only one device would be used on scene at a time. These bright orange launchers propel a blue sponge-tipped round designed to help temporarily incapacitate or disarm an individual - to bring a dangerous incident under control, or to protect the lives or safety of others or themselves.

All cannabis businesses, including Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTC), as defined in the Cannabis Business Permit Ordinance, require a Cannabis Business Permit from Cambridge Inspectional Services Department (ISD) before opening. This city permit is different from the state Marijuana License application that is managed by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (MA CCC). Before the MA CCC issues a final Marijuana License, they will request a copy of your Cannabis Business Permit.

The City of Cambridge extends a warm welcome to returning university students and staff after a year and a half of interrupted academic life. COVID-19 vaccines and increased knowledge of measures that help control the spread of the virus will help students have a more traditional residential experience this fall. The City’s three largest academic institutions - Harvard, MIT, and Lesley - report high vaccination rates among their students and employees.

In keeping with the recommendation of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Cambridge Public Health Department, the City of Cambridge today is strongly recommending that residents wear face coverings anytime they are outside of their home, especially in public settings in which physical distancing measures (ensuring 6 feet of space or more from others) are difficult to maintain. Those areas include grocery stores and pharmacies.

The City of Cambridge urges residents planning to celebrate Halloween to follow the guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and to engage in only lower or moderate risk activities to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Halloween activities are subject to the current state gathering size limits as well as applicable any sector-specific workplace safety standards. Halloween activities are subject to the current state gathering size limits.

Being a Firefighter is a noble, rewarding, and exciting profession where you have the opportunity to help people when they are most vulnerable. In addition to firefighting, the job includes a wide variety of skills including emergency medical care, control of hazardous materials releases, protection of the environment, extrication of trapped people (and animals), collapse rescue, water/ice rescue, elevator rescue, public fire education, fire prevention, etc. The deadline to register for the MA Civil Service Firefighter Entrance Examination is 8-27-24.

Annual Alcohol License fall into two categories, Retail On-Premise for restaurants, hotels & clubs and Retail Off-Premise for package stores and markets. Both are issued by the License Commission in conjunction with the State's Alcohol Beverage Control Commission (ABCC). Retail On-Premise is governed by both Massachusetts General Law ch. 138, sec. 12 and Cambridge Regulations. Retail Off-Premise is governed by both Massachusetts General Law ch. 138, sec. 15 and Cambridge Regulations. The process for applying for a license takes a minimum of eight to ten weeks.

The Community Development Department (CDD) is leading a community process to update zoning for Central Square. Zoning is the set of rules that control the allowed shape, density, and use of the property, and the goal of this update is to allow for and encourage the continued growth, redevelopment, and evolution of the district. Guided by community goals identified in prior planning efforts, zoning recommendations will focus on - increasing housing, - creating public spaces to build community, and - supporting our diverse retail, cultural, and non-profit community.