Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, 1,696 Cambridge residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 100 residents have passed away, according to the state's database. Learn more here. There have been 169,976 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, and there are 2,047 newly reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state today. 58,341 patients have been tested today, and 10,184 have passed away. Learn more here.
State Action Updates
Massachusetts reports 1,184 new COVID cases, 13 deaths
State health officials confirmed another 1,184 coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the statewide tally to 167,929. Monday’s total is based on 47,461 new molecular tests, according to the Department of Public Health. There are currently 22,815 known active cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Officials also announced another 13 COVID-related fatalities, for a total now of 9,936 deaths from the virus since the start of the pandemic. There are now 588 people hospitalized with the respiratory infection across the state, including 143 patients in intensive care. Hospitalizations have continued to rise steadily since September. The seven-day average of positive tests is at 2.35%. The seven-day average of new cases and hospitalizations is also climbing. Cases continue rising at rates not seen earlier in the pandemic in the U.S., and more than 40 states are reporting sharp increases. The U.S. now has more than 10 million cases and more than 237,000 virus-related fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. Read more here.
Those who died during COVID-19 outbreak at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home honored with virtual tribute
The Holyoke Soldiers' Home Coalition has posted a virtual tribute to dozens of veterans who died after contracting coronavirus during the pandemic. (Relatives who would like their loved ones included in the tribute can visit the coalition’s website, holyokesoldiershomecoalition.org.) The pictorial — which went live in advance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11 — also honors five more who died of other causes while at the state-run care facility for veterans, and one resident who still resides there. The coalition is a grassroots network of veterans' advocates, family members and other supporters of the Soldiers' Home since its patients and staff were ravaged by the outbreak this spring. The veterans featured in the tribute fought during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. At least 76 veterans died of the virus while under the care of the Holyoke Soldiers' Home. Many more were sickened. Read more here.
Baker Press Conference Updates:
Mass. Gov. Baker Says Preparations for Next COVID Surge Are Underway
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said the state is preparing to stand up field hospitals again as coronavirus infections continue climbing across the state and around the country. “The trends are obviously going in the wrong direction and show no signs of changing,” Baker said during the press conference. Massachusetts hospitals are prepared to convert 400 acute care beds to ICU beds as hospitalizations and case counts continue rising. Officials will have more details about plans for field hospitals later this week. Watch the announcement here.
Cambridge Updates
Update on the Public Health Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cambridge for November 9, 2020. View here.
SCHEDULE A FLU SHOT AT DRIVE THROUGH CLINIC NOVEMBER 14 AT CAMBRIDGESIDE
Please Note: This clinic was originally scheduled to be held at Danehy Park but will now be at CambrdgeSide. This is a drive-through clinic that can be accessed by motor vehicle only through the garage. The site cannot accommodate anyone arriving by bicycle or on foot. Upcoming Drive-Through Flu Clinic
Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Appointment Required).
CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, Level 2 1/2 (enter at First and Spring St.)
Cambridge flu clinics are now open. The Cambridge Public Health Department is ramping up its efforts to vaccinate more residents than in previous years, with the goal of administering 10,000 flu shots this season. The flu vaccine is being donated by Cambridge Health Alliance. People who live and work in Cambridge can get a flu shot at no charge at one of the flu clinics run by the Cambridge Public Health. Flu shot appointments are required this year. To schedule an appointment online, go to https://cphd-flu-2020.as.me. The City's Flu Clinic Call Center at 617-349-9788 will open next week for those who wish to make appointments by phone. You can learn more about the clinics here.
Contactless Holds Pickup Service hours at the O'Neill Branch, 70 Rindge Ave., Cambridge have been extended. The new schedule, which will go into effect on Wednesday, October 7, is as follows:
Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Fridays, 11:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Where to Get Tested
Testing appointments through the City's free mobile-testing program are now available at the following locations:
- CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, 11:00am – 7:00pm (Drive-through testing in garage. Enter on First St.) Sundays and Thursdays
- 50 Church St. 12:00pm – 8:00pm (beginning November 9th) Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays
- 2254 Massachusetts Ave, St. John the Evangelist Church, 10:00am – 6:00pm Wednesdays
- Pisani Center located at 131 Washington Street. 11:00am – 7:00pm Saturdays
You can schedule an appointment online or by calling 617-665-3795.
Translation Resources Available
Multilingual city resources and information on COVID-19 are available on the City's multilingual help page.
Where to Give
On Fridays, Cambridge CoHousing will be collecting food for the Chelsea Food Collaborative. Drop off is between 9 AM to 2:30 PM 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