Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, 1380 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 127,317 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, and there are 143 newly reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state today. 2,160,250 patients have been tested, and 9,160 have passed away. Learn more here.
I am sad to report that Cambridge recorded its 100th COVID death today. My thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family as well as all the families who have been touched by this virus. The Department of Public Health reported today the death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases in Massachusetts rose by 10 including one in Cambridge. This is a solemn reminder that we need to remain vigilant and wear a face mask, wash our hands frequently and practice social distancing.
State Action Updates
Today, state Attorney General Maura Healy announced that the former superintendent and medical director of the Holyoke Soldiers' Home are both facing criminal charges in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak at the facility that resulted in the deaths of at least 76 veterans.
Starting today nursing and rest homes may resume indoor visits as long as infection control and safety measures are in place. Assisted living residents will also be allowed to expand their indoor visitation options.
The Caucus of Women Legislators is accepting applications to be a Commissioner on theMassachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. The MCSW studies, reviews, and reports on the status of women and girls in Massachusetts. You can learn more about the expectations of commissioners and how to apply here.
Governor Baker Press Conference Updates:
Governor Baker did not hold a press conference today.
Cambridge Updates
Today, the city amended the temporary emergency order requiring the wearing of face masks. With the amended order, anyone age two or older must wear a mask or face covering at all times when on or in public places beginning on September 30. Public places include sidewalks, streets, parks, plazas, bus stops, non-residential parking lots and garages, and any other outdoor area or non-residential parking facility which is open and accessible to the general public The newly amended order replaces the City's previous provision, which allowed people to remove face masks or coverings while outside during the summer months in Cambridge when a physical distance of at least 6 feet could be maintained at all times. The order goes into effect at 12:00 a.m. on October 2, 2020 You can read more information about it here..
Tomorrow, 9/26 the City is holding a free public shredding event that enables Cambridge residents to safely dispose of unwanted records and documents. It will take place from 9:30a.m-1:30 p.m in front of Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. This event will be held rain or shine, for Cambridge residents only. You can find more information here.
The Cambridge Women's Center (CWC) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in March 2021. To mark the occasion, they are planning a 10-day celebration to align with their historic 10-day occupation of 888 Memorial Drive by feminist activists in 1971, which led to the founding of the CWC. If you are interested in helping plan these events, you can find more information on their interest form. Applications are due by 10/15. Email events@cambridgewomenscenter.
Where to Get Tested
Testing appointments through the City's free mobile-testing program are now available at the following locations:
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Russell Youth and Community Center (formerly the West Cambridge Youth Center), 680 Huron Avenue, 10AM - 6PM on Wednesday 9/23 and Wednesday 9/30.
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Pisani Center located at 131 Washington Street, 11AM - 7PM, on Saturday, 9/26
You can schedule an appointment online or by calling 617-665-3795.
The state's Stop the Spread initiative provides no-cost testing in communities across the state that have continued to see a higher number of residents testing positive for COVID-19. Stop the Spread testing sites are open to ALL Massachusetts residents and are not restricted to residents of the cities where sites are located. You do not need to have any symptoms to be tested. Find more information about locations and hours here. Current Stop the Spread communities are: Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Framingham, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lynn, Marlborough, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Salem, Saugus, Springfield, Winthrop, and Worcester.
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's multilingual help page.
Where to Give
Food for Free, an organization that has been essential in helping to meet the needs of growing hunger insecurity in our community, is holding a Benefit Bake today, 9/22 with Flatbread Co. Somerville at 45 Day Street. When you order flatbreads, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Food for Free. Pickup, delivery, and outdoor dining will be available.
On Fridays, 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:
I also encourage you to donate to the following organizations that are engaging in racial justice work:
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie