Here is the COVID-19 update for Wednesday, August 25. Please also check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.  

• Somerville once again requires indoor public masking: As of August 20, people in Somerville are required to wear face coverings while in indoor public settings such as stores, restaurants, theaters, and houses of worship. The mandate applies to anyone 2 or older, and masks may be removed while actively eating or drinking. Masks should have a snug fit and cover your nose and mouth. Studies have proven masks effective at reducing transmission of COVID-19.

• Print your own “masks required” sign: If you need a sign informing customers that masks are required to enter your establishment, you can print one at somervillema.gov/covid19masksigns. If you would like to have a sign delivered to your business, please email ​​economicdevelopment@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311).  

• Mask requirements in place for Somerville schools: When the new school year starts next week, students and all staff will be required to wear face coverings. Also, all Somerville schools will be conducting baseline and assurance COVID testing to make sure their schools are not experiencing an outbreak. 

• Positive COVID cases in Somerville rising slightly: So far during the first few weeks of August, 147 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Somerville. That is up from 146 for all of July and 32 for June. The more contagious Delta variant has become the dominant strain of the virus in the U.S. and every county in Massachusetts is considered to have high or substantial transmission of the virus. See the latest Somerville case data at somervillema.gov/covid19dashboard.

• FDA gives full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine: Pfizer has become the first COVID-19 vaccine to gain full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. According to Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D., “While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product.”

• Where you can get vaccinated: The CHA site at 176 Somerville Ave. (next to Target in Union Square) and many local pharmacies offer walk-in vaccinations. No appointment, I.D., or insurance is needed. To find out more about where you can get vaccinated, visit somervillema.gov/vaccine. If you’re not vaccinated, make a plan today to get your shot.

• Get vaccinated to protect yourself and others — and to spare your loved ones potential stress or heartbreak: The data is clear. Vaccination has proven remarkably effective at protecting against severe or fatal COVID-19. Currently, the overwhelming majority of hospitalizations (97%) and deaths (99%) from COVID-19 nationwide are among unvaccinated persons. You can protect yourself and others, and support our burdened hospital staff, by choosing vaccination. You can also protect your loved ones from worrying about you or potentially losing you if you become ill. If you have questions or concerns about the vaccines, consider talking to your health care provider or watch the info sessions offered in multiple languages at somervillema.gov/vaccine.

• CDC approves COVID-19 booster shots for some immunocompromised persons: The CDC recommends a third dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine for individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and have received two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. If you believe you may be eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, please consult with your doctor. Boosters for eligible immunocompromised persons are available now.

• Booster shots proposed for all adults who received Pfizer or Moderna: A plan has also been announced to offer booster shots for adults age 18 and older who received mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) in order to offer maximum protection against the disease. If approved by the CDC and FDA, booster shots would be available to individuals eight months after their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna and no earlier than September 20, 2021. Boosters for persons who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as well as for persons aged 16 and 17 are under review. We will continue to update this information.  

• Need a COVID test?: Plenty of locations offer free COVID testing. Go to somervillema.gov/covid19testing for details. 

• Get rental/mortgage assistance: If you find yourself or anyone you know unable to make rent or mortgage payments, substantial assistance may be available. Contact our Office of Housing Stability immediately at 617-625-6600 x2581.

• Turn on MassNotify for possible COVID exposure alerts: MassNotify is a notification tool that helps fight COVID-19 with smartphones. MassNotify can send you an “exposure alert” if you were in close contact with someone who anonymously shared through MassNotify that they tested positive for COVID-19. The app can help to reduce COVID-19 cases and save lives. To learn more about MassNotify, including how to enable it on your phone, visit mass.gov/massnotify.

• Sign up for the free weekly City eNewsletter: There’s always a lot going on in Somerville that has nothing to do with COVID-19 and one of the best ways to stay on top of it is by getting our weekly e-news update. You’ll get updates on events, meetings, surveys, volunteer opportunities, job openings, affordable housing offerings, and more. Sign up at somervillema.gov/newsletter.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Nancy Bacci at 617-625-6600 x 2250 or nbacci@somervillema.gov.