Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, 2,224 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 221,174 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, and there are 2,845 newly reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state today. 59,832 patients have been tested today, and 10,778 have passed away. Learn more here.
State Action Updates
Number of small businesses open in Massachusetts decreased by 37% amid COVID pandemic, report says
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to surge, more small businesses are forced to shutter both temporarily and permanently. Massachusetts has been no stranger to the pandemic’s devastation. New research reveals that as of Nov. 16, the number of small businesses open in Mass. decreased by 37% compared to January of 2020. Small business revenue in Massachusetts has dropped 44% compared to the start of last year as well, according to the Economic Tracker tool from Opportunity Insights, a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization at Harvard University that aims to use insightful scientific research to impact policy change. Read more here.
Thanksgiving Travel Out Of Logan Was Down Compared To Last Year, But Up From Weeks Prior
New Massport data show passenger traffic increased around Thanksgiving, but it was still well below last year's numbers. More than 111,000 people departed from Logan International Airport last week. That's down 73% from 2019, but it's a 32% increase compared to the first week of November. The airport recently launched multiple types of on-site coronavirus testing for both airport workers and travelers, though some experts warned that the tests could create a false sense of security. State officials and health professionals urged people to stay home ahead of the holiday, and are now expecting a spike in cases due to increased travel and gatherings. Read more here.
Baker Press Conference Updates:
Baker Not Planning Any More COVID Restrictions, Warns of Clusters
Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday that Massachusetts is not planning any additional COVID-19 closures or restrictions, while also warning of a growing number of coronavirus clusters in houses of worship. Baker said the new case growth in the state has actually started to slow down over the past 10 days, and he was encouraged that travel was down and people appeared to be holding smaller gatherings over the Thanksgiving holiday. Baker singled out houses of worship as one area that has led to some recent outbreaks. Baker cautioned residents about in-person religious gatherings, which state officials have linked to hundreds of coronavirus cases. Read more here.
Cambridge Updates
Harvard University COVID-19 information, click here.
MIT COVID-19 information, click here
Update on the Public Health Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cambridge for November 30, 2020
UPDATE ON IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS
From December 1, 2020 through January 8, 2021, City of Cambridge departments will be conducting in-person appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. Many City services can be accessed online or over the telephone. A complete listing of City departments, contact information, and appointment information can be found on our City departments and offices webpage.
Black Cambridge & COVID-19
A Youth Roundtable with Becoming a Man this Sunday, December 6th at 1pm, with hosts Cambridge School Committee Vice-Chair Manikka Bowman and Former Mayor & City Councilor Denise Simmons. The series engages a cross-sector of Black leaders in the City of Cambridge, the state of COVID-19, and how the Black community survives the pandemic.
You can tune in Sunday, December 6th at 1:00pm by
- Pre-registering on zoom
- Watch on FB Live,
- CCTV's Channel 9, cctvcambridge.org/channel09, or youtube.com/cctvcambridge
Popportunity Market
Popportunity is a COVID-safe, outdoor, winter market held at Starlight Square in Central Square, Cambridge. Opening on Small Business Saturday, November 28th, Popportunity will run every Saturday and Sunday, 11am - 5pm, through December 20th. Artists, makers, and retailers can apply for a 10x10 market tent or a Pop-Mini stall here.
Thank you to the Central Square Business Improvement District for providing a safe space where we can support our neighbors and our local economy.
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:
- Monday - 50 Church St. 12:00pm – 8:00pm
- Tuesday - 50 Church St. 12:00pm – 8:00pm
- Wednesday - 2254 Massachusetts Ave, St. John the Evangelist Church, 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Thursday - CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, 11:00am – 7:00pm (Drive-through testing in garage. Enter on First St.)
- Friday - 50 Church St. 12:00pm – 8:00pm
- Saturday - Pisani Center located at 131 Washington Street. 11:00am – 7:00pm
- Sunday - CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, 11:00am – 7:00pm (Drive-through testing in garage. Enter on First St.)
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."
For the four upcoming Fridays (11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18) Cambridge Cohousing invites you to donate a children's book with your food donation -- a new or in very new-like condition for children ages infant to 10 years old. Our partner in Chelsea is very grateful. They say that not only will the children benefit but also adults who are learning English or learning to read to and with their children. They will distribute during the holiday seasons coming up. Thanks for your continued support.
A Collective Kindness Effort
Cambridge Camping has been serving low-income families for 127 years. I feel honored to be an alum of their summer camp program. Now, more than ever, our children need support, connection to mentors and peers, and the opportunity to create and share joy. Since COVID, CCA has innovated to support its families, providing necessary services – diapers, food, school supplies - and safely offered in person and virtual programming. Cambridge Camping has risen to the COVID challenge and proven that relationships and connection are stronger than any virus.
As we enter this season of giving and gratitude, CCA is grateful for the support we’ve received to date, yet we are $3,000 away from our goal which will allow us to provide gift baskets of hearty holiday food and toys to camper families. Please help us raise $3,000 by December 15 and together we will bring joy and much needed essential relief. If you cannot contribute, please share and join us in our wish for a peaceful, healthy 2021. Donate here today.
Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee
Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) is Cambridge's anti-poverty agency. The CEOC's mission is to empower people and mobilize resources to fight poverty's causes and impacts through education and organizing. For this GivingTuesday (12/1) CEOC has set a goal to raise $5,000 to help launch Give-Direct, a cutting-edge cash transfer program - and they can't achieve it without you! Please consider joining the charge to reach their transformative goal on December 1. And, since GivingTuesday relies on the limitless potential of social media, don't forget to share, tag, and use the hashtag #GivingTuesday and #CEOCGiveDirect. Busy that day? You also can make a gift now to be processed on GivingTuesday.
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