Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, there are 1101 Cambridge residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 97 residents have passed away. Learn more here. There are 109,628 cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, including 24,083 in Middlesex County. 872,380 patients have been tested, and 8,149 have passed away. Learn more here.
Cambridge Updates
Where to get tested:
During the month of July, the Cambridge Public Health Department will offer free mobile testing for all Cambridge residents in North Cambridge, The Port, East Cambridge, and Harvard Square one day each week during designated hours:
- North Cambridge - Wednesdays, 11AM-3PM, Jefferson Park clinic at 266-B Rindge Avenue
- Harvard Square - Wednesdays, 4PM-6PM, First Church Cambridge at 11 Garden Street
- East Cambridge - Thursdays, 12PM-4PM, Millers Rivers Apartment at 661 Cambridge Street
- The Port - Thursdays, 5PM-8PM, Pisani Center at 131 Washington Street
The Cambridge Public Health Department is expanding the number of testing appointments available. Testing will be done by appointment only. 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.
State Action Updates
Governor Baker did not hold a press conference today and State offices were closed in observance of July 4th.
Many of us will be missing public festivities like community fireworks and outdoor concerts. The Boston Pops will be broadcasting a virtual celebration on Saturday starting at 8pm. Learn more here.
Supporting Racial Justice
For the past week, Cambridge residents have been showing up to support Whole Foods employees who have been forced to choose between working their shifts or wearing face masks that say "Black Lives Matter." Like many of you I am baffled and concerned by management's decision. I have stopped shopping at Whole Foods and have written to all three Cambridge store managers and the corporate parent asking that they reverse this decision and that employees be compensated for time they were scheduled to work. I have also suggested they read this recent article in Fast Company by Darnisa Amante-Jackson, a local expert on diversity, equity and inclusion practices. It speaks to the key role of managers in creating equitable culture change within corporations. I will share with you any response I receive.
Where to Give
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
Enroot Emergency Immigrant Cash Assistance 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
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie