From: City of Cambridge <pio@cambridgema.gov> Reply-To: <pio@cambridgema.gov> Date: Monday, March 30, 2020 at 8:07 PM To: Ruth Ryals <rryals@comcast.net> Subject: COVID-19 Updates | March 30, 2020 Updates from the City of Cambridge Statement from City Manager on Temporary Emergency Shelter "Throughout this Public Health crisis, I have worked closely with the City’s Public Health team to ensure that we are making the most informed decisions possible to protect the health and welfare of the entire Cambridge community. As part of that effort, we have been working to identify options to care for our homeless community or those unable to safely isolate or quarantine at their residence during this time. Our goal was to identify a temporary emergency shelter location that would not take too long to prepare and would satisfy criteria laid out by our health care team. After careful consideration and vetting of different options, City leaders, including Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Assasd Sayah, MD, Chief Public Health Officer Claude Jacob, and Police Commissioner Branville Bard, Jr., believe that the War Memorial Recreation Center is the only site ready and available to serve the emerging needs of this population and recommend its use for that purpose." Read Full Statement What's New · (3/30/20) A total of 78 Cambridge residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the coronavirus outbreak began, as of March 30, and there has been 1 death of a city resident due to complications from COVID-19. Based on your feedback, staff is working on new ways to present and share daily count information with the community. We expect this change to occur this week. Download today's cases in Massachusetts. · (3/30/20) City Manager issues statement on temporary emergency shelter. · (3/30/20) City of Cambridge announces COVID-19 expert advisory panel. · (3/29/20) The Cambridge Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit has compiled a valuable resource guide and suggested safety plans for residents that may be isolated with an abusive partner or household member, be in fear and/or unable to access critical services for safety and support. Remember: help is available. · (3/29/20) Grant applications are available for a new Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. The program is designed to provide short-term working capital assistance to enable the viability of the business and retention of jobs during the severe interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. View More Updates Beware of Scams As our community takes extraordinary measures to confront the COVID-19 outbreak, some may view this as an opportunity to prey on the public’s fears and anxieties. Cybercrime, the sale of counterfeit goods, treatment scams, and other healthcare and investment scams arising from the pandemic are a primary concern. Massachusetts residents who believe they are victims of fraud or other criminal activity related to the pandemic should contact the United States Attorney’s Office at USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov or call 1-888-221-6023 and leave a message. Members of the public can also contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911. We want you to avoid falling prey to these scams and help us stop them by reporting it at ic3.gov. Learn More Red Cross Facing Blood Shortage The Red Cross is facing a critical shortage of blood products due to cancellations of blood drives across the Commonwealth because of implementation of necessary prevention and mitigation actions during COVID-19 outbreak. The Governor has deemed “Blood and plasma donors and the employees of the organizations that operate and manage related activities” as an essential service. Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Learn More Healthcare Professional Volunteers To support ongoing COVID-19 emergency response efforts, the Commonwealth has partnered with the Massachusetts Medical Society to match volunteers with our communities and health care providers based on skillsets and need. There is an immediate need for respiratory therapists and public health nurses, and the state is asking health care professionals interested in volunteering to sign up at www.MAResponds.org Learn More Buoy Health COVID-19 Symptom Checker The Commonwealth of Massachusetts launched the Buoy Health’s online resource for residents to check their symptoms and connect with the next appropriate health care resource. This tool does not replace emergency medical care, but it may be used as a support for residents during the COVID-19 outbreak to connect them with appropriate health care resources if they display coronavirus symptoms. Buoy Health’s online 24/7 tool is free for Massachusetts residents and uses current COVID-19 guidance from the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Apple also recently created a tool in partnership with the CDC, the White House Coronavirus Task Force and FEMA to make it easy for people across the country to get trusted information and guidance. Access Tool COVID-19 Information Line & Resources If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, call the Massachusetts COVID-19 Information Line at 2-1-1. The call center is equipped to handle a high call volume. View Public Health Updates CambridgeMA.GOV/COVID19 City of Cambridge | 795 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 Unsubscribe rryals@comcast.net Update Profile | Our Privacy Policy | About Constant Contact Sent by pio@cambridgema.gov