Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, there are 1231 Cambridge residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 99 residents have passed away. Learn more here. There are 112,673 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, including 26,470 in Middlesex County. 1,322,634 patients have been tested, and 8,519 have passed away. Learn more here.
Cambridge Updates
Today, City Manager DePasquale announced that the City will relocate the temporary emergency shelter at the War Memorial Recreation Center to 1575 Cambridge Street, a new, temporary 57 bed shelter located within the east wing of Spaulding Hospital-Cambridge, Inc.
The Cambridge Public Library will begin providing Chromebook Laptops for checkout starting today, 8/10. Patrons can borrow the technology for up to 2 weeks with a one-time renewal if there are no existing holds for the device. You can request the technology by calling 617-349-4040, providing your library card number, selecting your preferred device model, and scheduling a pickup time. Those who need assistance navigating the device can call the same number or email library@cambridgema.gov to set up a One-on-One Tech Help session.
The Cambridge Public Library is also launching a pilot program to eliminate overdue fines for the late return/renewal of materials and the elimination of loss/damaged item fees for children's and young adult's materials.
There will be an Economic Development & University Relations Committee hearing tomorrow 8/11 from 10AM-12PM. You can tune into this meeting to learn how Harvard, MIT and Lesley are preparing for the fall semester. Sign up for public comment here.
Where to get tested:
During the month of August there will be free mobile testing for Cambridge residents provided by the Cambridge Public Health Department at the following locations:
- Jefferson Park Clinic (266-B Rindge Ave) on Wednesday, August 12th 10AM-8PM
- The Pisani Center (131 Washington St) on Saturday, August 15th 11AM - 7PM
To schedule an appointment, call 617-665-3795 or sign-up online.
Testing capacity will be increasing throughout the month. The City will release appointment slots one week at a time to avoid no-shows, which have been increasingly occurring.
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.
State Action Updates
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced that school districts now have until this Friday, August 14th to submit their final reopening plans for the state. The deadline was originally set for today, Monday 8/10.
Today, the Governor’s administration announced the launch of the MassGrown Exchange online platform which will facilitate business to business connections within the local food system for products and services. The platform is live and ready for businesses looking to sell and purchase Massachusetts’ products and services.
Governor Baker Press Conference Updates:
Governor Baker did not hold a press conference today.
Where to Give
On Fridays throughout August, Cambridge CoHousing will be collecting food for the Chelsea Food Collaborative. Drop off is between 10 AM to 4PM 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
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
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