Somerville’s COVID-19 Update

On October 3, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Here is a COVID-19 update as of Friday, October 2. Please also check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.

Latest news:

Case Counts: As of October 2, a total of 1,272 Somerville residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since March, another 98 are considered probable positive cases (some current, some in the past), 1,210 have since recovered, and sadly there have been 42 deaths. See more Somerville case data on the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

Outdoor dining extended through 2021: As the weather gets colder, tents and outdoor heaters may be cropping up on Somerville streets as local restaurants dig in to continue outdoor dining during the cooler weather. The recent expansion of outdoor dining in Somerville in response to the pandemic had been scheduled to end November 1, but it will now be allowed to continue through December 31, 2021, weather and safety permitting.

Meeting on Washington Street bike and bus lane project: The City and MBTA are working to quickly improve bus service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Route 86 bus, which travels on the western portion of Washington Street in Somerville, has sustained high ridership throughout the coronavirus emergency. To build safer facilities for all users and better meet current public health needs, City and MBTA staff have developed plans for a pilot project that includes:
- New bus-priority lanes that let buses bypass waiting traffic at busy intersections.
- Protected bike lanes along sections of the corridor.
- Narrowed travel lanes to deter speeding and improve safety for all road users.

This project could repurpose up to 75 on-street parking spaces for the duration of the pilot, which is a little more than half the available inventory in that section of Washington Street. City staff will develop a final plan based on feedback from community stakeholders. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. on the GoToMeeting webinar platform. Learn more and register for the meeting here.

Free Bluebikes rides for essential workers: Grocery store and pharmacy workers in Somerville can apply for free 90-day Bluebikes passes at bluebikes.com. The pass will allow for unlimited Bluebikes rides throughout Greater Boston. The program is designed to give essential workers another option to get to and from their jobs.

We’re still accepting homemade face masks as part of our 10,000 Mask Drive: If you’re a crafty Somerville resident who has been sewing reusable face masks, please consider donating some to our 10,000 Mask Drive. After being laundered, masks are distributed to seniors and other vulnerable populations. If you would like to donate masks, put them in a sealed bag and bring them to the drop box at either the Central Library (79 Highland Ave.) or the East Branch Library (115 Broadway).

Free COVID-19 testing: CHA Somerville Hospital offers free testing at Assembly Row by appointment. To make an appointment, call 617-665-2928 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.). The mobile COVID-19 testing unit also offers testing in our neighborhoods to make access easier for residents. Mobile testing schedules and more information on both can be found under the “Symptoms, Testing, & Medical Info” tab on somervillema.gov/covid19.

Today’s Assistance Tip: New resources for rental assistance, food access, and childcare costs

In response to the immense need for community assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Somerville recently distributed more than $2.2 million of federal CARES Act funding to local nonprofits so they can help residents with necessities such as rent, food, and childcare. To access housing assistance supported via this funding, contact the City’s Office of Housing Stability at somervillema.gov/ohs or call 617-625-6600 ext. 2581. All other supports will be provided directly via the funded nonprofits (listed here) through their usual service delivery.

Today’s Public Health Tip: Make a plan to get your flu shot

Health experts are advising that everyone who is able should get a flu shot this year. The City’s Health and Human Services is hosting safe flu vaccine clinics this fall; schedule your appointment HERE. You can also contact your health care provider or pharmacist about getting a flu shot for this season.

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.