The City of Somerville will be joining the State in relaxing outdoor face covering guidelines. Starting Friday, April 30, residents will not have to wear a face covering when outdoors if they can socially distance. Masks will still be required in public indoor spaces, outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible, at large events, and at any city-permitted activities, including outdoor fitness and yoga classes. At smaller gatherings in private homes face coverings are recommended but not required.

Although face covering restrictions are loosening, residents should still be vigilant and continue to take precautions against spreading COVID-19. Because Somerville is a densely populated city, some public spaces like the Community Path and parks and playgrounds can get crowded, so residents are advised to bring a face covering whenever they go out.

“Throughout the pandemic we have followed the science and monitored local and state data so we are able to adjust our policies accordingly. We now know that outdoor transmission, especially when people can socially distance, is very low. But we do still need to be vigilant and remember to mask up when we can’t distance from others or when we’re indoors,” said Doug Kress, Director of Health and Human Services. 

For more information and regular COVID-19 updates, visit www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus and sign up for City alerts at www.somervillema.gov/Alerts. Community members are encouraged to sign up for every alert method: phone call, text, email. Also follow FB.com/SomervilleCity and @SomervilleCity.