Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, there are 1298 Cambridge residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 99 residents have passed away. Learn more here. There have been 120,038 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, and there are 219 newly reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state today. 1,819,144 patients have been tested, and 8,892 have passed away. Learn more here.
There will not be a daily COVID-19 newsletter on Monday 9/7 in observance of Labor Day. This Labor Day weekend, I ask that we continue to keep in mind all workers both front-line and those who are not afforded the privilege to work from home.
State Action Updates
Note: Starting today, State Action updates will appear before Cambridge updates in the daily COVID-19 newsletter.
Starting tomorrow, Saturday September 5th, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming will be added to the list of “lower-risk states” for the state’s travel order. Travelers coming from low risk states are not required to fill out the Massachusetts Travel Form and do not have to quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result.
The Department of Revenue reported that the state took in $1.992 billion in tax revenue in the month of August, and state tax collections are running $124 million, or more than 3% ahead of their pace a year ago. This shows that state tax collections are rebounding.
The Boston Athletic Association announced that registration for the 2021 Boston Marathon is postponed and will not take place in September as it typically does. It will be forming a COVID-19 Medical & Event Operations Advisory Group which will inform the registration timeline.
Governor Baker Press Conference Updates:
Governor Baker did not hold a press conference today.
Cambridge Updates
City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking a Cambridge resident to fill a vacancy on the Cambridge Human Rights Commission. You can apply online or call the City Manager’s Office at 617-349-4300 for a paper application. Applications are due September 25th.
The Cambridge Public Library will be holding an event presented by Saeed Jones “How We Fight for Our Lives in conversation with E. Patrick Johnson” on Tuesday September 29th at 7PM. Advance registration is required, and a Zoom link will be sent out before the event.
Where to Get Tested
The City’s COVID-19 free mobile testing will resume on September 9th and will be available at the following locations:
- Field House at Russell Field (Rindge Ave) will offer testing on Wednesday, September 9 and Wednesday, September 16 from 10AM-6PM
- The Pisani Center (131 Washington St) will offer testing on Saturday, September 12 and Saturday, September 19 from 11AM-7PM
You can make an appointment to be tested online or by calling 617-665-3795.
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
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:
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