Dear all,
I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources.
As of today, 1362 Cambridge residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 99 residents have passed away, according to the state’s database. Learn more here. There have been 125,866 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, and there are 143 newly reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state today. 2,105,178 patients have been tested, and 9,118 have passed away. Learn more here.
Today, on National Voter Registration Day, I encourage you to check your voter registration status and make a plan to vote. The last day to register to vote in the November 3rd election is October 24th.
State Action Updates
MassHealth enrollment is up by 5.4%, or approximately 63,000 people, between the months of March and July, according to a Center for Health Information and Analysis Massachusetts Health Insurance Enrollment report.
Yesterday, a Hampden County judge ruled that Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders did not have the authority to fire Holyoke Soldiers' Home Superintendent Bennett Walsh following a COVID-19 outbreak at the Home which resulted in the deaths of 76 veterans. This means that the firing of Walsh is invalid and void.
The Caucus of Women Legislators is accepting applications to be a Commissioner on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. The MCSW studies, reviews, and reports on the status of women and girls in Massachusetts. You can learn more about the expectations of commissioners and how to apply here.
Governor Baker Press Conference Updates:
Governor Baker did not hold a press conference today.
Cambridge Updates
The City Council will hold a special meeting tomorrow, 9/23 at 5:30PM to discuss changing the City’s charter review with representatives of the UMass Boston Collins Center for Public Management.
The Cambridge Women’s Center (CWC) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in March 2021. To mark the occasion, they are planning a 10-day celebration to align with their historic 10-day occupation of 888 Memorial Drive by feminist activists in 1971, which led to the founding of the CWC. If you are interested in helping plan these events, you can find more information on their interest form. Applications are due by 10/15. Email events@cambridgewomenscenter.org with questions.
Where to Get Tested
Testing appointments through the City’s free mobile-testing program are now available at the following locations:
- Russell Youth and Community Center (formerly the West Cambridge Youth Center), 680 Huron Avenue, 10AM - 6PM on Wednesday 9/23 and Wednesday 9/30.
- Pisani Center located at 131 Washington Street, 11AM - 7PM, on Saturday, 9/26
You can schedule an appointment online or by calling 617-665-3795.
The state’s Stop the Spread initiative provides no-cost testing in communities across the state that have continued to see a higher number of residents testing positive for COVID-19. Stop the Spread testing sites are open to ALL Massachusetts residents and are not restricted to residents of the cities where sites are located. You do not need to have any symptoms to be tested. Find more information about locations and hours here. Current Stop the Spread communities are: Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Framingham, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lynn, Marlborough, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Salem, Saugus, Springfield, Winthrop, and Worcester.
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.
Where to Give
Food for Free, an organization that has been essential in helping to meet the needs of growing hunger insecurity in our community, is holding a Benefit Bake today, 9/22 with Flatbread Co. Somerville at 45 Day Street. When you order flatbreads, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Food for Free. Pickup, delivery, and outdoor dining will be available.
On Fridays, 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