Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, there are 1124 Cambridge residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 97 residents have passed away. Learn more here. There are 105,986 cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, including 24,600 in Middlesex County. 972,070 patients have been tested, and 8,125 have passed away. Learn more here.
Cambridge Updates
Yesterday, Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis DePasquale announced that the City of Cambridge Relief and Recovery Programs, the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund for small businesses, and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) Zero-Interest Loan program is awarding $3.6 million in grants and loans to small businesses in Cambridge that have been financially impacted by COVID-19.
The City of Cambridge is continuing its restriction on using reusable bags for purchased items at retail establishments. Neither staff or customers are permitted to use reusable bags at retail establishments. This restriction will remain in place until further notice.
This Thursday, 7/16 from 5-6PM there will be a protest at the Whole Foods Alewife store to support Whole Foods workers as employees who wear BLM masks are being asked to take them off or to leave with no pay. Those protesting are asked to wear black, carry a sign, and tell Whole Foods that we want them to listen to their employees.
Cambridge-based Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine has led patients to produce antibodies that can neutralize the novel coronavirus that causes the disease, but caused minor side-effects in many patients according to data from an early-stage trial.
Where to get tested:
During the month of July, the Cambridge Public Health Department is offering free mobile testing for all Cambridge residents in North Cambridge, The Port, East Cambridge, and Harvard Square one day each week during designated hours. Currently, all appointments for the month of July at these sites have been booked.
Testing will be available at the Pisani Center on Saturdays 7/18, 7/25, and 8/1 from 11AM-7PM to to help meet the demand of the waitlist. You can now 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.
State Action Updates
Early this morning, the Senate passed S.2800 An Act to reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of color. This bill would impose more oversight on police by creating a Police Officer Standards and Accreditation Committee and limit qualified immunity legal protection for police and other public employees.
Attorney General Maura Healey and 21 other Attorneys General wrote a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asking the Senate to include at least $50 billion for child care providers in the next round of federal stimulus funding.
Governor Baker Press Conference Updates:
Governor Baker did not hold a press conference today.
Federal Action Updates
Today, the Trump administration rescinded rules it released last week which would have barred international students from being in the U.S. if taking only online classes.
Where to Give
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
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie