COVID-19 update for 5/26/20

On May 26, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Dear Community Members,

Here is a COVID-19 update for Tuesday, May 26.

Please also be sure to check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.

Latest news:

Case Counts: As of 10:30 a.m., May 26, a total of 869 Somerville residents have tested positive for COVID-19, 628 have since recovered, and sadly there have been 25 deaths. See more Somerville case data on the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard. Please note these are known cases, and evidence indicates there are significantly more cases — both symptomatic and asymptomatic — that have not been officially detected.

Please Support the Somerville Cares Fund: New data report that hunger is on the rise in our region due to COVID-19 impacts. One is six children in Eastern Massachusetts are projected to be at risk of hunger in 2020, a 93% increase in need over 2019, according to The Boston Globe. One way you can help is by making a contribution to the Somerville Cares Fund at somervillema.gov/somervillecares. This donation-based fund gives money directly to residents so they can cover essential costs like groceries, medication, personal products, and rent. If you are fortunate enough to have something to share right now, please donate. And everyone can help spread the word. Please tell others about the Somerville Cares Fund (perhaps a tweet, a Facebook post, or draw the web address on your sidewalk with chalk) so others are aware of it. If you know people who can give, including major donors, consider asking them directly to make a donation. Everything helps and, again, these funds will be helping neighbors cover their essential expenses. We’ve raised just over $275,000, which is amazing, but need another $1 million to meet the need based on current applications. (See below for more information on local food resources.)

Some Economic Impact payments coming on pre-paid debit cards: If you are eligible for an Economic Impact Payment and haven’t received it yet, keep an eye out for mail from MetaBank. The Treasury Department announced last week that it will be sending Economic Impact Payments on pre-paid debit cards through MetaBank rather than checks. The cards can be used to make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted and you can use them to withdraw cash from in-network ATMs. For more information on the new debit card payments, visit the Treasury Department’s website.

Free COVID-19 testing: The Somerville Board of Health strongly urges all residents to be tested for COVID-19. The more people that get tested, the safer our reopening will be. You do not need to have symptoms or a doctor’s referral. To sign up for free COVID-19 testing for Somerville residents, call 617-665-2928, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Today’s Assistance Tip: Food resources

If you have an existing or new need for food assistance, please be sure to make use of local resources. City and school staff continue to work to provide ready-to-eat meals and groceries for pickup or delivery. Below are additional resources and you’ll find more at somervillema.gov/coronavirusHelp.

Free Grab-and-Go Meals: Stop by one of our sites for a free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch. No ID required and one person can pick up for the entire family. Please bring a bag if you are picking up for multiple family members or for someone who needs assistance.
- Times: Monday – Friday, 9am to 11am (in all weather)
- Locations:
  - East Somerville Community School (50 Cross Street)
  - Arthur D. Healey School (5 Meacham Street),
  - Winter Hill Community Innovation School (115 Sycamore Street)
  - West Somerville Neighborhood School (177 Powder House Boulevard)
Groceries: The City of Somerville/Food for Free Supplemental food pantry has been established for the COVID-19 crisis. Fill out this form to sign up for the week and receive a bag of non-perishable items, plus fresh fruit and vegetables. Please note: If you anticipate needing a weekly bag, you will need to sign up again each week as needed. Weekly sign ups help us ensure we plan for enough food and no food is wasted.
List of food resources: The Somerville Food Security Coalition is maintaining an updated list of food resources during COVID-19. Call an organization before visiting in person, as they may have new procedures to follow.
Food resource hotline: Project Bread offers a FoodSource Hotline at (800) 645-8333 (TTY line: 1-800-377-1292) to help callers find food resources. The hotline is available in 160 languages.
You can also call 311 any time if you’re concerned about food access and their Community Support Team and staff will connect you with local resources. 311 has bilingual staff and can also use Language Line to assist in 160 languages.

Today’s Public Health Tip: Know the emergency warning signs if you have COVID-19 and your condition worsens

These helpful tips are from the American Red Cross.

Emergency Warning Signs If your symptoms become severe, call to get medical attention immediately. Warning signs include:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Bluish lips or face

This list is not all inclusive. Consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency and note if you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. Review CDC guidance for more information if you are sick, including what to do if you live in close quarters, shared housing, or have pets.

–Thank You, Somerville. #InThisTogether–

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.