Good afternoon, Maldonians. It’s us, your friendly neighborhood Organizers. As we approach nearly 2 months of significant closures in the state, almost all of us are weary, many have been affected financially, and, tragically, many in our community have been ill or lost a loved one to this virus. This hard time has also shown the heart of Malden as so many of you have stepped up to help each other in any ways that you can. Families are being fed. Masks have been sewn and delivered. Seniors and vulnerable people have been protected from the need to go to the grocery store. Laptops have been delivered to help students keep learning. And blue bags, of course–so many blue bags. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
With the coming of Phase 1 of the MA transition plan to reopen, we all have a lot of questions about what it means and what we should do. We’ve started to see people out without masks, closed areas being used, large gatherings/celebrations (> 10 people), and breaking social distancing practices. We deeply sympathize with the desire to get back to normal life, but we cannot risk losing the gains we have made. On behalf of MNHN, we urge all Maldonians to continue to maintain vigilance, social distance, wear masks, and keep our community safe. Here’s how you can help.
ACTION ITEM 1: Stay at home if you can and use a face mask whenever you have to be out
Overall, the curves (new cases and deaths) are flattening but they are still high which means coronavirus is still out there and still a threat to public safety. If it’s possible for you to stay at home, do what you can to help make things safer for those in the community that don’t have a choice, such as our essential workers. If you have to go out or are out to take a walk, wear a mask.
If you don’t have a mask, post here or send in a request to https://maldenneighbors.org/request-help/ or post here to the Facebook group and we’ll do our best to get you one. Please see the attached image for guidance on how to use and wash a mask.
ACTION ITEM 2: Continue to follow CDC and state guidelines for social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and frequent hand washing
Until we have numbers under more control, social distancing is still a critical tool to combat the spread of the disease. We encourage everyone to do their part by continuing to social distance (remain 6 feet apart from others) and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. If you can avoid contact with anyone you do not immediately live with, it can help protect you, your family, and friends.
Hand washing also remains a vital line of defense to stop transmission and protect yourself. Alcohol-based sanitizers (at least 70% alcohol) are also effective at killing the virus. Thank you to all those who have been posting locations where sanitizer is in stock on the Facebook group. Supplies change regularly, so call ahead to any stores to ensure they are in stock. As of 5/18/2020, it is possible to order alcohol wipes from McMaster-Carr (https://www.mcmaster.com/54845T25-54845T25) with a very fast delivery. Continue to practice good hand hygiene and avoid touching your face without first cleaning your hands.
ACTION ITEM 3: If you have any reason to think you have been exposed, get tested
We are incredibly fortunate that Cambridge Health Alliance is providing testing for anyone in Malden, regardless of symptoms. There are very few places in the US at this point with this kind of testing available. Community testing is one of the keys to helping identify where the disease is, stop it’s spread, and return to some semblance of normal life.
The drive-through and walk-up facility operates out of the CHA Malden Care Center at 195 Canal St. from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Any residents of either Everett or Malden 8 years of age and older are welcome to get tested regardless of insurance or immigration status. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (617) 665-2928.
