Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, 1,868 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 184,511 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, and there are 1,967 newly reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state today. 53,265 patients have been tested today, and 10,340 have passed away. Learn more here.
Harvard University COVID-19 information, click here.
MIT COVID-19 information, click here.
State Action Updates
Charlie Baker has no immediate plans for additional changes to COVID-19 rules in Massachusetts
Gov. Charlie Baker’s office says he has “no plans” to make any additional changes to the rules and restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, amid concerns about the worsening wave of infections this fall. According to reports by the Boston Herald and State House News Service, the Massachusetts governor missed an “emergency summit” with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and several other Northeast governors Sunday due to a scheduling conflict. Cuomo, who announced the summit Friday, said the intent of the virtual meeting was to “align policies as much as possible” — or at least make neighboring states more aware of their respective responses to the second wave. Sarah Finlaw, a spokeswoman for Baker, told the State House News Service that members of the governor’s administration “regularly collaborate with other Northeast states regarding regional strategies to fight COVID-19.” Read more here.
Massachusetts reports 2,076 new COVID cases, 33 more deaths Sunday as number of active cases surpasses 30,000
Massachusetts public health officials on Sunday reported 2,076 new positive COVID-19 tests, bringing the number of active cases to about 30,374 statewide. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 182,544 people in Massachusetts have contracted the virus, which has infected nearly 11 million people across the nation. On Sunday, state Department of Public Health officials also announced another 33 deaths; at least 10,098 have died due to COVID-19-linked illness over the course of the crisis. Sunday’s new totals are based on 71,371 molecular tests. So far, 7,268,466 tests have been administered over the last several months, DPH said. The seven-day average positive test rate stands at 3.1%. Just two months ago, the rate fell to 0.8%. As of Sunday, 737 people are being treated for COVID-19 at hospitals, including 159 in intensive care. The average age of people hospitalized is 67 and the average age of deaths related to the virus is 80, DPH reported. Read more here.
More Massachusetts House staffers test positive for COVID-19 days after budget negotiations
Three more Massachusetts House employees who were in the State House recently reported testing positive for COVID-19, according to an email obtained by MassLive. Two House employees reported Sunday that they tested positive, according to the email to House staff. One was last in the building Monday, Nov. 9. The other was last in the building Thursday, the same day some lawmakers showed up for the final day of debating the House budget proposal. Cleaning crews were brought to the State House Friday night after two state representatives tested positive for COVID-19, MassLive first reported. They were last in the building Thursday, when a handful of lawmakers were in the House chamber to debate the $46 billion budget proposal. Most state representatives attended the session remotely. Read more here.
Baker Press Conference Updates:
Governor Baker did not hold a press conference today.
Cambridge Updates
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."
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