COVID-19 update for 6/20/20

On June 20, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Dear Community Members,

Here is a COVID-19 update for Saturday, June 20. Please also be sure to check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.

Latest news:

A day of remembrance: On Sunday, June 14, the City of Somerville recognized Flag Day as a day of remembrance and reflection to honor those lost to the COVID-19 virus and those who have been victims of systematic racism. A joint letter from Mayor Joe Curtatone and Councilor Will Mbah regarding the unanimously passed City Council resolution to declare this day of remembrance can be read here.

Case Counts: As of 6 p.m., June 19, a total of 962 Somerville residents have tested positive for COVID-19, 865 have since recovered, and sadly there have been 30 deaths. See more Somerville case data on the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

Quote of the week: “I understand how people must be very tired of this at this point. But the virus doesn’t care that we’re tired. The virus is still out there. I do support the idea that it’s time to try to get people out in the work places and public spaces, but let’s do that with the utmost care.” — Francis S. Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, in the Washington Post.

Relaxed summer face covering rules: Effective immediately, when you are outside and able to social distance at least six feet from others, you may temporarily remove your face covering but must put it back on when others are nearby. If you choose to take off your mask, make sure to put it back on when you see someone approaching, so you have plenty of time to get it on before crossing paths. Masks are still required at all times when in indoor public spaces, with exceptions for children under age two and persons unable to wear a face covering due to a medical reason or disability. We’ll review face covering guidelines again in September.

Playgrounds opening, basketball hoops being unblocked June 29: Somerville playgrounds will open and basketball hoops will be unblocked on June 29, with additional cleaning and safety protocols in place. No games or scrimmages are allowed on the basketball courts and you should not share athletic equipment with anyone outside your household. Please also keep safety in mind when using playgrounds – if a playground is too crowded to allow for social distancing, come back later or try another playground.

Pools and splash pads opening July 1: The two pools operated by the City – the indoor Kennedy School pool at 5 Cherry St. and the outdoor Dilboy Pool at 324 Alewife Brook Parkway – are scheduled to open Wednesday, July 1, with new COVID-19 safety protocols including decreased occupancy and staggered hours to allow for extra cleaning. New pool hours will be posted on somervillerec.com. Splash pads in parks are also set to open on July 1. We ask that everyone remember to social distance when using splash pads. If overcrowding becomes an issue they may be shut off again.

Somerville launches mobile COVID-19 testing unit: The City of Somerville, Cataldo Ambulance, and Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) have opened a mobile COVID-19 testing unit in Somerville in addition to the test site outside Somerville Hospital. 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. To be tested, you do not need to be symptomatic and do not need insurance or a doctor’s referral. Immigration status will not be checked. But you must be a Somerville resident and MUST CALL 617-398-7770 to set up an appointment. The schedule for the coming weeks is as follows:

- 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 somervillema.gov/covid19 as they are scheduled. Residents can also call 311 for more information or to inquire about the schedule.

Free COVID-19 testing at Somerville Hospital: 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:

If you are concerned about the cost of running a fan or air conditioner in your home as the weather gets warmer, check to see if you are eligible to receive a discounted electricity rate from Eversource to help lower your electricity bills. Eversource also offers payment plan options and a budget billing program for customers who don’t qualify for the discounted rate but need assistance paying their bill.

Today’s Public Health Tip:

Now that we’re in Phase II of the State’s reopening plan, restaurants and retail shops are starting to open, but it’s important to keep in mind that COVID-19 is still a threat and that we all need to continue to do our part to slow its spread. If you’re at a restaurant or store, make sure to follow all safety guidelines including wearing a face covering (except when actively eating or drinking at a restaurant) and staying at least six feet away from people not in your household. Those rules are in place to protect you, other customers, and workers. And please remember to be kind and have patience with the employees of any businesses you visit – they’re learning how to do their jobs under new guidelines and they have to take extra precautions to keep everyone safe.

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.