Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, there are 1104 Cambridge residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 97 residents have passed away. Learn more here. There are 104,659 cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, including 24,193 in Middlesex County. 893,939 patients have been tested, and 7,983 have passed away. Learn more here.
Cambridge Updates
The City has released a guide on staying safe this summer during COVID-19 which includes valuable information on how to assess your personal risk.
The City and the Cambridge Public Health Department have also released a guide on wearing face coverings safely in hot weather.
Harvard University announced that 40% of its undergraduates will return to campus. First year students and those invited back to campus for academic reasons will be the only undergraduate students allowed back in the fall. If similar measures are necessary in the spring, first year students will participate remotely and seniors may return to campus. All instruction will take place remotely.
During the month of July, the City is encouraging residents to make use of their porches, windows, sidewalks, doorways, or front yards as platforms for self-expression and solidarity as part of its Cambridge Together Apart project.
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
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
Today, Governor Baker signed into law mail in voting legislation that will allow all voters who wish to cast their ballot by mail to do so without having to qualify for an absentee ballot. The Secretary of State’s office must send applications for mail-in primary election ballots to all voters by July 15th.
Today, updated guidelines for youth and amateur adult sports were released by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. These guidelines outline limitations on recreational activities and facilities and categorize different sports and recreation activities into categories of risk, including low, moderate, and higher risk activities.
Today was the first day of phase III of the state’s reopening plan. If you have thoughts or concerns about reopening in Massachusetts, you can submit questions and comments via this online form or share them with Governor Baker via email.
Governor Baker Press Conference Updates:
Governor Baker did not hold a press conference today.
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