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.

Relaxed summer face covering rules

This summer the city’s face covering order is being relaxed to allow for the removal of face coverings in outdoor public space when social distancing can be maintained. The city’s summer face coverings order still requires face coverings in all public indoor spaces (including stores, restaurants when not eating, and common areas in multi-unit buildings) and all outdoor public spaces (including during physical activities). If you are planning to take your mask off outside, make sure to still carry it with you, and immediately put it on if other people are approaching. When others are approaching at about 30 foot distance, which is about the length of a bus, start putting your mask back on to ensure everyone has time to get their faces covered before crossing paths. Also remember to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when putting on or removing a mask.

Please continue to put the safety of others first. In busy areas it may be easiest and safest to keep your face covering on rather than pull it on and off repeatedly or be caught by surprise by a close passerby. And also remember that children under the age of two should not wear a face covering, and persons who are not able to wear a face covering for medical or disability reasons are exempt from the requirement.

Pools, playgrounds, and splash pads reopening

Next week the city’s pools, playgrounds, and splash pads will reopen with new policies and safety protocols in place.

• Somerville’s playgrounds will open and basketball hoops will be uncovered on Monday, June 29. No games or scrimmages are allowed on the basketball courts and you should not share balls, gear, or any other athletic equipment or toys with anyone outside your household. The Department of Public Works will adhere to CDC recommendations for cleaning the city’s 60 playgrounds, tot lots, athletic equipment facilities, and 20 water play features on a weekly rotation weather-permitting. This includes the cleaning of high touch plastic and metal surfaces with a “green” detergent or cleaner and water.
• The city’s two pools – the indoor Kennedy School pool at 5 Cherry St. and the outdoor Dilboy Pool at 324 Alewife Brook Parkway – will open on Wednesday, July 1. A few key changes include staggered hours to allow for extra cleaning, decreased occupancy, changing rooms and locker rooms will be closed, and pool patrons must socially distance and wear a face covering when in bathrooms or on the pool deck. For a full list of new policies, visit somervillema.gov/summer2020.
• Splash pads in playgrounds will be turned on starting Wednesday, July 1. During warm weather splash pads are a popular feature, but it’s vital that everyone using them stays at least six feet away from anyone not in their household. In parks where the water play area attracts crowds that fail to observe social distancing measures, the feature may have to be turned off.

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.