Latest news:

• Case Counts: As of 9:30 a.m. July 16, a total of 1,016 Somerville residents have tested positive for COVID-19, 968 have since recovered, and sadly there have been 34 deaths. See more Somerville case data on the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

• Phase 3 reopening: Somerville’s Phase 3 Step 1 business reopening is on hold until at least Monday, August 3. Local officials are concerned about potential impacts amid rising new case averages in the metro area and about the efficacy of the State’s contact tracing program. Prior State guidelines limiting indoor and outdoor gatherings to no more than 10 persons will also remain in effect until at least August 3 as well. Businesses in the Phase 3 Step 1 reopening include large indoor venues and activities generally considered to be at high risk for viral spread such as movie theaters, gyms, cultural centers, performance venues, and indoor gatherings. More information about Phase 3 Step 1 reopening can be found on the City’s website.

• Reminder – City buildings still closed to the public: Although City buildings remain closed to the public, a number of City services are still available online or by calling 311. Check the “City Service Status” tab on our COVID-19 page for more information.

• Basketball hoops to remain blocked: Because overcrowding and games were observed at a number of courts, basketball hoops in Somerville’s parks have been blocked again until further notice. Courts are still available for non-contact play. We’re asking everyone to please continue to use good judgement on courts, in playgrounds, and at other recreation areas. If it is not possible to maintain social distancing, be the person who does the right thing and come back later or find an alternative.

• 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.

• Mobile testing times and locations: The mobile COVID-19 testing unit will accept patients by appointment at roaming locations. 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 617-682-0583 to set up an appointment. This number is answered during regular City Hall business hours (8:30-4:30 Monday-Wednesday; 8:30-7:30 Thursday; 8:30-12:30 Friday). Please leave a voicemail if your call is not answered and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Because of the volume of calls, there could be a short delay in getting a response. You can find the schedule of upcoming testing times and locations under the “Symptoms, Testing, & Medical Info” tab on somervillema.gov/covid19.

• Additional testing resources: Here’s information on additional options for COVID-19 testing if the times or locations in Somerville don’t work for you:
  • The State is offering free testing nearby in Everett and Chelsea, among other locations across the Commonwealth, through August 14. Some locations require appointments, and some offer walk-up testing. Learn more here.
  • MEMA, in coordination with the COVID-19 Command Center, provides an interactive map with information about COVID-19 test sites in Massachusetts. It also includes a downloadable full list of test sites. Information continues to evolve quickly, so contact a site prior to arrival. Sites may also require pre-screening, a referral, and/or an appointment.

Today’s Assistance Tip: Am I entitled to paid leave from work to care for family members during this pandemic?

• As of April 1, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provides up to 80 hours of partially-paid sick leave to eligible employees who are unable to work because they need to care for a loved one who has COVID-19.
  • The FFCRA also provides up to 12 weeks of partially-paid family leave for employees who are unable to work because they must care for their child whose school is closed or whose child care provider is unavailable due to COVID-19.
  • The FFCRA applies to most employers with fewer than 500 employees. Employers with fewer than 50 employees may qualify for an exemption in limited circumstances. Employers that employ healthcare providers or emergency responders may also elect to exclude such workers from eligibility for this leave.
• Additionally, under the Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law, most employees in the state also have the right to earn and use up to 40 hours of job-protected sick leave per year to take care of themselves and certain family members. If you’re eligible for both FFCRA leave and Massachusetts earned sick leave, employees may choose to take FFCRA leave first and save Massachusetts earned sick leave for later use.

Today’s Public Health Tip: If you have to travel, do it safely