Normally there is an editorial from Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone in this space, but this week the City is instead sharing important information and updates about COVID-19.

 Mobile COVID-19 Testing

The City of Somerville, Cataldo Ambulance, and Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) formally launch their mobile COVID-19 testing unit in Somerville, which will help to lower barriers to testing and offer equitable access. The mobile testing unit will accept patients by appointment at roaming locations, as well as hold designated testing days for residents of senior housing buildings. This testing is in addition to the Crown St. testing location at Somerville Hospital, where the City and Cambridge Health Alliance have offered free testing to Somerville residents since April. Individuals seeking tests at either the Somerville Hospital site or the mobile testing site do not need to be symptomatic and do not need insurance or a doctor’s referral. Immigration status will not be checked. The only requirement is that individuals must be Somerville residents and MUST CALL 617-665-2928 to set up an appointment. City of Somerville Health and Human Services Department staff will call residents of senior housing ahead of time to schedule on-site appointments.

The schedule for the coming weeks is as follows:

• Friday, June 19, 1 to 3 p.m. – Prospect Hill Academy, 17 Franklin St.,
• Wednesday, June 24, noon to 2 p.m., Prospect Hill Academy, 17 Franklin St.,
• Friday, June 26, 1 to 3 p.m. – Prospect Hill Academy, 17 Franklin St.,
• Monday, June 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross St.,at the Glen St. entrance
• Wednesday, July 1, 10:30 a.m. to noon, East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross St., at the Glen St. entrance

Additional testing dates will be posted on www.somervillema.gov/covid19 as they are scheduled. Residents can also call 311 for more information.

Phase II Reopening

The City of Somerville accepted the June 8 reopening date for all included sectors and activities in the State’s Phase II category such as outdoor dining, limited indoor shopping, and limited organized sports practices — with added City-required safety measures to some areas to better protect public health. The measures, which were designed to keep workers and customers safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, will affect some reopening dates. The earliest outdoor dining began June 10 due to permitting and safety plan requirements, and a reopening date for playgrounds and splash pads will be announced soon after safety and disinfection protocols are put in place.

Some of the safety measures in Somerville that exceed State guidance include requiring that hotels, motels, sports leagues, and restaurants submit health and safety plans to the City. Additional measures mainly apply to outdoor dining and grew out of a City-organized 40-person working group that included 33 restaurateurs/operators. Key enhancements for outdoor dining include required safety and socially distant layout plans, mandatory staff safety training, and a number of requirements designed to support contact tracing should staff or customers test positive for COVID-19. Information specific to restaurants reopening can be found at www.somervillema.gov/RestaurantReopening.

For more information on Phase II reopening in Somerville, visit www.somervillema.gov/reopeningphase2.

Staying Informed During COVID-19

The City’s COVID-19 website, www.somervillema.gov/covid19, is updated frequently with public health information as well as resources and supports.

Here are some additional ways you can stay informed:

• Sign up for City alerts at www.somervillema.gov/alerts or by calling 311. You can choose to get phone, text, and/or email alerts.
• Tune in to City Cable (RCN channel 13, Comcast channel 22) for information and updates.
• 311 is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide information.