Public Health Updates as of November 12, 2026

To keep the community updated on public health developments, the Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) will provide regular updates on its website and in a dedicated space in the city’s daily email. Look for a recap of important public health information every other week.

Spread Joy, not Illness this Holiday Season! 

The holiday season is here, but sadly so is respiratory disease season. In Massachusetts since July, when the respiratory disease season starts, there have been a total of 29 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and 3 probable COVID-19 deaths as well as 7 influenza (flu) deaths. 

Help protect your loved ones this holiday season by getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines. This is especially important if you are visiting and spending time with loved ones who are more susceptible to serious illness such as older relatives, pregnant people, babies too young to get vaccinated, and people who are immunocompromised.

You can also stop the spread of disease by washing your hands frequently and staying home if sick. Cooking a holiday meal? Here are some food safety tips as well as a guide for internal temperatures to ensure cooked food (including turkey) is hot enough to kill harmful germs that cause food poisoning. 

The Cambridge Public Health Department wishes you and your loved ones a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season! 

Questions about SNAP Benefits and MassHealth? 

Thousands of Cambridge residents are losing or at risk of losing their SNAP benefits and MassHealth insurance because of federal policy changes. If you are impacted by these changes or you have questions about them, you are not alone!

The Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) can check your eligibility, help you re-enroll in benefits if you still qualify, and connect you to other resources. Learn more. In addition, our health department has a Cambridge Food Resource Guide, in multiple languages, that includes information about food pantries, free community meals, and food resources for older adults. 

Recalls

• Family Farmstead Dairy is recalling all raw cheddar cheese products because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 
• Once Upon a Farm is recalling fruit-flavored Tractor Wheel Organic Toddler Soft-Baked bars due to being a potential choking hazard for toddlers for ages 1.5-2.5 years old. 
• SLR Food Distribution Inc., is voluntarily recalling Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon, because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. 
• Vitality Works Inc., is 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.