Latest news:

• Somerville Covid-19 Case Counts: As of January 19, a total of 3,957 Somerville residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since March, another 252 are considered probable positive cases (some current, some in the past), and sadly there have been 55 deaths. See more Somerville case data at somervillema.gov/covid19dashboard.

• State vaccination counts: As of January 14, a total of 347,450 total cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses have been shipped to Massachusetts, 206,190 persons have received their first dose, and 31,673 have received their second dose (both current vaccines require two doses to be fully effective). Approximately one-seventh of the total doses in the State, 54,075, have been shipped to Middlesex County providers.
• Phase I Vaccine distribution update: As of January 20, phase I vaccine distribution continues for COVID-facing healthcare workers, long-term care facilities, first responders (police, fire, emergency medical services), and congregate care settings including homeless shelters and correctional facilities. It’s expected that starting February 1, vaccination will begin for the final two groups in phase I, which are home-based healthcare workers and non-COVID-facing healthcare workers. Persons eligible for phase I vaccination can find vaccination sites and more info on the State website.
• Phase II vaccine distribution: Phase II is planned for February and March starting with persons 75 and older and then persons with two or more COVID-19 risk factors (also known as comorbidities). They will be followed by persons in certain professions including K-12 teachers and other essential workers, and then persons 65 and older and persons with one comorbidity.

• When can you get vaccinated? For information on where you fall in the State’s vaccine rollout plan, see this timeline on the State’s website or scroll to the bottom of this email. This information is subject to change, and City staff will continue to keep you updated via these emails, our website somervillema.gov/covidvaccine, and other outreach. Have more questions about the vaccine? The Department of Public Health has a list of FAQs online and watch for a continually updated list of more FAQs and coming info session opportunities and videos at somervillema.gov/covidvaccine.

• Rescheduled school reopening town hall: A town hall on Somerville Public Schools reopening originally scheduled for January 19 has been rescheduled to Tuesday, January 26, starting at 6:30 p.m. Learn more about the meeting, including how to join live or watch it later on our website.

• Massachusetts travel order still in effect: With a few exceptions, anyone who travels outside of Massachusetts needs to fill out a travel form before entering the state and quarantine for 10 days or have a negative COVID-19 test that was administered 72 hours or less prior to arrival.

• Apply for small business relief funds: The City of Somerville has made $5 million available to small businesses in its third round of the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Fund. Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $25,000. Applications are now available and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more about the funding, including eligibility requirements, or apply for funds online.

• Free COVID-19 testing: CHA Somerville Hospital offers free testing at Assembly Row. 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. Mobile testing schedules, as they become available, and more information on both can be found at somervillema.gov/covidtesting. The State also operates several Stop the Spread testing sites, including in the nearby communities of Chelsea and Everett. For more information, visit the State’s website.

Public Health Tip: Health officials monitoring COVID-19 variants