Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, there are 1282 Cambridge residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 99 residents have passed away. Learn more here. There are 117,450 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. 1,649,836 patients have been tested, and 8,775 have passed away. Learn more here.
Cambridge Updates
There will be safety improvements for people walking and biking implemented within the next few weeks in Harvard Square in response to the fatal crash there last week. The City is sharing information about resources for support for the individual’s friends and family and Cambridge community as a whole. Riverside Community Care’s Riverside Trauma Center is available by calling 888-851-2451 or visiting their website. MassSupport Network is available by calling 888-215-4920 or visiting their website.
Tickets for free public programming at Starlight Square in Central Square are now available. By reserving a ticket to a performance, you are agreeing to the Starlight Square Social Contract to ensure health and safety.
You can find COVID-19 testing data for Harvard University-wide COVID-19 testing on their COVID-19 Testing Dashboard. In the last 7 days, there have been 3 positive tests and 3616 tests conducted. You can find COVID Pass testing results of individuals who are either living or regularly working on campus M.I.T.’s campus here.
Voting Information
The in-person early voting period for the September 1st Primary election is underway, and will continue tomorrow, Friday 8/28 from 9:30AM-5PM at the following locations:
- Moses Youth Center – 243 Harvard Street, Main Entrance
- Cambridge Water Department - 250 Fresh Pond Parkway
- Valente Library – 826 Cambridge Street, Side Entrance on Berkshire Street
If you plan to vote in person on election day, you can view the City’s interactive polling place map to find your polling location. Some polling sites like those in high-risk facilities were temporarily relocated for the upcoming 2020 State Primary, September 1st. Polls will be open on September 1st from 7AM-8PM.
There is a ballot drop box at 51 Inman Street that is available daily from 8AM - 8PM. Cambridge voters who wish to hand deliver their signed mail-in ballot can use the drop box to do so.
You can find more information on voting in the 2020 elections on the City’s website.
Where to Get Tested
The Cambridge Public Health Department has expanded August dates and locations for free mobile testing for Cambridge residents:
- The Pisani Center (131 Washington St) will offer testing on Saturday, 8/29 from 11AM - 7PM
- King Open School (850 Cambridge Street), will offer testing on Friday, August 28 from 10AM - 6PM
To schedule an appointment, call 617-665-3795 or sign-up online.
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
There are nine communities currently in the “highest-risk” category for COVID-19: Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Framingham, Lawrence, Lynn, Revere, Sutton and Winthrop. These communities have an average of more than 8 daily cases per 100,000 residents over the last two weeks.
Governor Baker Press Conference Updates:
Governor Baker did not hold a COVID-19 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 9 AM to 3:30PM 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
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