Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources. I hope you are finding a safe way to enjoy this weekend and are able to take a moment to breathe.
As of today, 2,131 Cambridge residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 100 residents have passed away, according to the state's database. Learn more here. There have been 211,748 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, and there are 4,464 newly reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday 11/25. 119,742 patients have been tested and 10,401 have passed away since Wednesday 11/25. Learn more here.
State Action Updates
Governor’s office: Mass. pandemic restrictions on churches ‘consistent’ with US Supreme Court ruling, Boston Globe
Today, Governor Baker’s office announced that it believes restrictions on churches in MA are consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling issued this week which barred NY Governor Cuomo’s restrictions to the size of religious gatherings.
Coronavirus traces found in Mass. wastewater are back on the upswing, Boston Globe
The amount of coronavirus found in wastewater at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s Deer Island treatment plant has been increasing. There are new highs in virus detection in the northern and southern sections of the MWRA system. Wastewater has been used to help predict COVID-19 surges throughout the pandemic.
Massachusetts Travel Restrictions: Vermont Removed From Exempt List, CBS Boston
Vermont has been removed from the list of “low-risk” states by the Department of Public Health. The only state that is still considered to be a “low risk” state is Hawaii.
Governor Baker Press Conference Updates:
Governor Baker did not hold a press conference today.
Cambridge Updates
Harvard University COVID-19 information, click here.
MIT COVID-19 information, click here.
Fuel Assistance Program
Applications are open for the Fuel Assistance Program which assists low-income households in Cambridge and Somerville with heating costs incurred between November 1st and April 30th. You can apply by calling 617-349-6252.
Riverbend Park
Riverbend Park will be open on Saturdays and Sundays through December 27th from 10AM-4PM, weather permitting.
Local Organizations in Need Around the Holidays
A Collective Kindness Effort
Cambridge Camping has been serving low-income families for 127 years. I feel honored to be an alum of their summer camp program. Now, more than ever, our children need support, connection to mentors and peers, and the opportunity to create and share joy. Since COVID, CCA has innovated to support its families, providing necessary services - diapers, food, school supplies - and safely offered in person and virtual programming. Cambridge Camping has risen to the COVID challenge and proven that relationships and connection are stronger than any virus.
As we enter this season of giving and gratitude, CCA is grateful for the support we’ve received to date, yet we are $3,000 away from our goal which will allow us to provide gift baskets of hearty holiday food and toys to camper families. Please help us raise $3,000 by December 15 and together we will bring joy and much needed essential relief. If you cannot contribute, please share and join us in our wish for a peaceful, healthy 2021. Donate here today.
Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee
Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) is Cambridge's anti-poverty agency. The CEOC's mission is to empower people and mobilize resources to fight poverty's causes and impacts through education and organizing. For this GivingTuesday (12/1) CEOC has set a goal to raise $5,000 to help launch Give-Direct, a cutting-edge cash transfer program - and they can't achieve it without you! Please consider joining the charge to reach their transformative goal on December 1. And, since GivingTuesday relies on the limitless potential of social media, don't forget to share, tag, and use the hashtag #GivingTuesday and #CEOCGiveDirect. Busy that day? You also can make a gift now to be processed on GivingTuesday.
Cambridge flu clinics are now open. The Cambridge Public Health Department is ramping up its efforts to vaccinate more residents than in previous years, with the goal of administering 10,000 flu shots this season. The flu vaccine is being donated by Cambridge Health Alliance. People who live and work in Cambridge can get a flu shot at no charge at one of the flu clinics run by the Cambridge Public Health. Flu shot appointments are required this year. To schedule an appointment online, go to https://cphd-flu-2020.as.me. The City's Flu Clinic Call Center at 617-349-9788 will open next week for those who wish to make appointments by phone. You can learn more about the clinics here.
Contactless Holds Pickup Service hours at the O'Neill Branch, 70 Rindge Ave., Cambridge have been extended. The new schedule, which will go into effect on Wednesday, October 7, is as follows:
Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Fridays, 11:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Where to Get Tested
Testing appointments through the City's free mobile-testing program are now available at the following locations:
- CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, 11:00am – 7:00pm (Drive-through testing in garage. Enter on First St.) Sundays and Thursdays
- 50 Church St. 12:00pm – 8:00pm (beginning November 9th) Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays
- 2254 Massachusetts Ave, St. John the Evangelist Church, 10:00am – 6:00pm Wednesdays
- Pisani Center located at 131 Washington Street. 11:00am – 7:00pm Saturdays
You can schedule an appointment online or by calling 617-665-3795.
Translation Resources Available
Multilingual city resources and information on COVID-19 are available on the City's multilingual help page.
Where to Give
On Fridays, Cambridge CoHousing will be collecting food for the Chelsea Food Collaborative. Drop off is between 9 AM to 2:30 PM at 175 Richdale Ave, the entrance to CoHousing, either in a paper bag or small box. If you don't see someone at the moment you come, please leave it just inside the gate where we will have boxes marked "For Chelsea."
For the three upcoming Fridays (12/4, 12/11, 12/18) Cambridge Cohousing invites you to donate a children's book with your food donation -- a new or in very new-like condition for children ages infant to 10 years old. Our partner in Chelsea is very grateful. They say that not only will the children benefit but also adults who are learning English or learning to read to and with their children. They will distribute during the holiday seasons coming up. Thanks for your continued support.
If you are able to give to others during this time, I encourage you to look to the following places that are working to help those most affected by COVID-19:
Cambridge Community Foundation
Cradles to Crayons Emergency Essentials Fund
I also encourage you to donate to the following organizations that are engaging in racial justice work:
Louis D. Brown Peace Institute
Families for Justice as Healing
Union of Minority Neighborhoods
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie