Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, there are 1282 Cambridge residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 99 residents have passed away. Learn more here. There are 117,888 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. 1,673,552 patients have been tested, and 8,791 have passed away. Learn more here.
Cambridge Updates
There will be a Cambridge Public Schools Back-to-School Family Resource Fair this Sunday 8/30 from 1-3PM at the Fresh Pond Apartments, 364 Rindge Avenue. Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, Superintendent Kenneth Salim, and members of the School Committee will be there with back-to-school information and to provide help with completing your family’s enrollment from.
The 2020-21 Massachusetts Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for Cambridge Public School District Students is available online. You can also download the application to fill out by hand here.
The Harvard Square Business Association in partnership with Cambridge Historical Tours and Cambridge Forum is releasing a series of 13 videos entitled “Black Lives Matter to Harvard Square” which commemorates the lives of men and women who made historic and significant contributions toward social and racial justice, voting rights, civil rights, women’s rights, education and race and gender equality. Videos will be released daily for 13 days starting today, August 28th, the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which took place in 1963. You can learn more and find the series on the Harvard Square Business Association website and social media pages.
Voting Information
If you plan to vote in person on election day, you can view the City’s interactive polling place map to find your polling location. Some polling sites like those in high-risk facilities were temporarily relocated for the upcoming 2020 State Primary, September 1st. Polls will be open on September 1st from 7AM-8PM.
There is a ballot drop box at 51 Inman Street that is available daily from 8AM - 8PM. Cambridge voters who wish to hand deliver their signed mail-in ballot can use the drop box to do so.
You can find more information on voting in the 2020 elections on the City’s website.
Where to Get Tested
The Cambridge Public Health Department has expanded August dates and locations for free mobile testing for Cambridge residents:
- The Pisani Center (131 Washington St) will offer testing on Saturday, 8/29 from 11AM - 7PM
To schedule an appointment, call 617-665-3795 or sign-up online.
If you are feeling symptomatic and feel the need to get tested sooner, you can call your primary care provider to make an appointment to be tested.
Translation Resources Available
Multilingual city resources and information on COVID-19 are available on the City'smultilingual help page.
State Action Updates
Starting tomorrow, 8/29, Colorado, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia will be considered Lower-Risk States. Travelers from lower-risk states are not required to fill out the Massachusetts Travel Form upon returning to the state and do not need to quarantine.
The Department of Transitional Assistance will be issuing a $350 per child clothing allowance for all eligible TAFDC clients under age 19. If you are approved to receive TAFDC benefits for September and have an eligible child under age 19, you should start to receive your child’s clothing allowance today.
Governor Baker Press Conference Updates:
Governor Baker did not hold a COVID-19 press conference today.
Where to Give
Project 351 is collecting hygiene products for Hope and Comfort in remembrance of 9/11. They are looking for donations of soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and menstrual products. Donations can be dropped off at 12 Parker Street in Cambridge, MA before September 11th or you can donate directly to Hope and Comfort.
On Fridays throughout August, Cambridge CoHousing will be collecting food for the Chelsea Food Collaborative. Drop off is between 9 AM to 3:30PM 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.”
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