As of today, there are 149 cases of COVID-19 in Cambridge. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2J2BnQj. There are 12,500 cases of COVID-19 in the state, including 2,632 in Middlesex County. 71,937 patients have been tested for COVID-19, and 231 patients have passed away. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/2WxWkL1.
Save the date- I will be hosting a town hall this Thursday from 4-5PM on resources for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please stay tuned for more information, and I hope that you will join and ask questions.
Cambridge Updates
The City of Cambridge has a list on its website of businesses in Cambridge with information on whether they are open or closed, and what types of services they are providing at this time. You can find it here: https://bit.ly/2UL8Ghu.
Multilingual resources are always available on the City of Cambridge's website. This includes translated information on city resources and about COVID-19. You can find them here: https://bit.ly/2wKXAzA.
State Action Updates
The COVID-19 testing facility for first responders including fire fighters, police officers, and other public safety personnel opened today at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. It will be able to perform up to 200 tests per day. The state is looking to set up similar facilities in the Merrimack Valley and western Massachusetts.
The state received 100 ventilators from the national stockpile out of the 1400 requested. These ventilators will be distributed within the next day.
500 people have volunteered to help UMass Memorial Health Care run the field hospital set up at the DCU Center in Worcester.
Public Health Updates
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced stricter social distancing measures for the City of Boston today. These include encouraging everyone to wear a face covering over their mouth and nose in public, issuing a Public Advisory asking everyone except essential workers to stay home between 9PM-6AM, and closing parks that have recreational sports areas. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3bXXaEX
Giving blood is important in ensuring that our healthcare system does not become overwhelmed and there is a stable supply of blood throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about giving blood and find out where to donate here: https://rcblood.org/3amf3gt.
Unemployment Insurance Updates:
Today, the U.S. Department of Labor sent states guidance on how to implement the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, which is the $600 weekly payment to eligible individuals who are receiving other unemployment benefits that was included in the CARES Act. You can view the full guidance here:https://bit.ly/2XcTGdW.
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 Health Alliance: https://bit.ly/2vWegUB
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
Homestart's Community Housing Assistance Fund:https://bit.ly/2JBtode
East End House's COVID-19 Emergency Fund: https://bit.ly/3bM8zHV
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie