I write to you today with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, there are 60 cases of COVID-19 in Cambridge. Learn more here:https://bit.ly/2J2BnQj. There are 4257 cases in Massachusetts, including 842 in Middlesex County. 35,049 patients have been tested in the state, and 44 patients have passed away. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2UttM3T.
It was announced yesterday that Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel has tested positive for COVID-19. I wish her a strong recovery.
Cambridge Updates
The Department of Public Works put out a notice reminding residents that sanitizing wipes should be thrown away, not flushed, as they can clog household plumbing and the City's sewer pipes.
State Action Updates
Today, Governor Baker asked Massachusetts residents who are able to do so to give blood in order to prevent the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed. Hundreds of blood donations per day are needed in order to meet current needs. You can learn more about giving blood and find out where to donate here: https://rcblood.org/3amf3gt.
Federal Action Updates
Massachusetts has been issued a Major Disaster Declaration. This will make federal disaster assistance available, including FEMA's Public Assistance program and FEMA's individual assistance program.
FEMA's Public Assistance program will provide funds to state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for their efforts to respond to COVID-19.
FEMA's Individual Assistance program will provide Crisis Counseling Assistance funding to the Department of Mental Health. This will help to assist individuals and families with the psychological impacts of COVID-19.
You can learn more here: https://bit.ly/33WWxZQ.
Unemployment Insurance Updates
The Pioneer Valley Workers Center has created a free online tool to help those who speak Spanish fill out unemployment claims, as the state's online portal is only available in English. You can find the tool here: https://bit.ly/39s1evN and learn more about it here: https://bit.ly/33UzleM.
Where to donate:
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 impacted by COVID-19:
Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund: https://bit.ly/3bgTBJU
Cambridge Community Foundation:https://bit.ly/33ImGeE
Food for Free:https://bit.ly/3afFuEE
Greater Boston Food Bank:https://www.gbfb.org/
Cradles to Crayons Emergency Essentials Fund: https://bit.ly/2WHOD4V
Enroot Emergency Immigrant Cash Assistance Fund: https://bit.ly/2y7bBIe
If you are interested in seeing previous COVID-19 updates, you can find them here:https://www.decker4rep.com/news/ As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie