Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, there are 1241 Cambridge residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 99 residents have passed away. Learn more here. There are 113,517 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. 1,381,178 patients have been tested, and 8,568 have passed away. Learn more here.
Cambridge Updates
MassDOT announced that there will be temporary overnight lane closures on the Longfellow Bridge for anyone travelling in a motor vehicle. Overnight closures are scheduled to take place on August 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 between 9PM and 5AM.
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:
- 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 Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has released guidance on workplace safety and reopening standards for businesses and other entities providing youth and amateur sports activities. Football, competitive cheerleading, basketball, ice hockey and wrestling are now designated as “Higher risk activities.” Practices and competitions are only allowed for higher and moderate risk activities with modifications in place.
The Cape Cod reopening task force has posted a guide on how to “Beach Well” while on the Cape. This guide includes helpful information on how to reduce your risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 if you are planning on going to the beach this summer.
The MBTA is extending its discounted commuter rail pilot, and those travelling between Lynn and Boston will be able to do so for the same fare as a subway ride through the end of 2020.
The RMV announced today that applications for the 2020 Low Number Plate Lottery are now being accepted online.
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