Cantabrigians positive for coronavirus hit 20, more than double from before CHA test site (update)
A coronavirus test site at Somerville Hospital is empty late Tuesday, awaiting its opening the next morning. (Photo: Marc Levy)
The number of Cambridge residents with the Covid-19 coronavirus rose to 20 on Monday, up from 17 on Sunday and substantially more than doubling the eight cases reported Friday. Officials did not provide information on the city’s web site on the sex and age of the newly reported victims of the virus.
There was also no information on the web site whether any of the additional people are hospitalized; on Monday, Claude Jacob, chief of the Cambridge Public Health Department said three people are in the hospital. Previously the Cambridge Public Health Department said one person was in the hospital.
Cambridge had its first cases March 13, with three people reported as testing positive. The number rose to seven Monday, then eight on Wednesday. It had not changed after that until Saturday’s report.
Public health officials and doctors had predicted the number of cases would rise sharply as more people were tested. The Cambridge Health Alliance opened a mobile testing site at Somerville Hospital on Wednesday and expects to add another two sites. Two large private laboratories are offering tests. Previously only the state public health laboratory was doing tests.
Federal and state officials have also widened the criteria for getting a test, although people are still reporting they cannot get tested despite having symptoms or being exposed to someone who has tested positive.
The city has closed its offices and public libraries and is conducting public meetings online. City officials have also ordered restaurants and bars to sell food solely for takeout or delivery. Construction except for one- to three-family projects was shut down and on Monday, and personal care businesses such as gyms, massage parlors, tanning shops and health clubs must close. Home-based businesses are included in the order.
This post was updated March 23, 2020, to reflect new reported figures.
Our city leaders know exactly what to do. Close all non essential businesses, and order all residents to stay home. Yet, crickets! The piecemeal actions taken by the city are going to cost lives. Arbitrary decisions like closing some businesses tomorrow (Monday) while others remain (I personally witnessed jewelry stores open Friday) open is Bazaar. It’s as if the city believes the virus will be polite and wait till after Monday to infect people.
I’ve only heard from 2 elected officials, Mike Connolly and Quinton Zondervan who are demanding the city take this virus much more seriously.
Why is the city being so stubborn?! As a resident with pre existing serious health issues. I believe, city leaders are waiting on Governor Baker to impose a stay at home order so they don’t have to make that decision.
City leaders are highly paid officials who CHOSE their careers. They are intentionally abandoning their responsibilities.