Here is the COVID-19 update for Thursday, December 9. Please also check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated often.  

Dramatic rise in local case numbers: Somerville tallied 592 positive tests for the COVID-19 virus in November. That is up from 311 in October and is the highest monthly total since March. Residents are urged to practice caution, masking in all public spaces, and planning carefully around travel and gatherings in order to prevent a generalized outbreak like the city experienced last winter. Sadly, the number of known Covid deaths in Somerville now stands at 98. See the latest Somerville case data at somervillema.gov/covid19dashboard.

Covid Remembrance Ceremony, Saturday, 12/11, 1-2 p.m.: Please come gather with us to remember those we have lost to COVID-19 both in Somerville and beyond and to recognize the many other losses our community has faced throughout the pandemic. We invite attendees to gather for a simple ceremony, a participatory remembrance project, and musical accompaniment by local composer Ken Field on Saturday, December 11, from 1 to 2 p.m., at Symphony Park, 46 Pearl Street. (Rain date December 18.) More information can be found here.

Take precautions around holiday travel and get-togethers: With COVID cases rising in Massachusetts and the impacts of the Omicron variant still being studied, we strongly urge anyone holding a holiday get-together or planning holiday travel to stay on top of the news and latest guidance and be prepared to adjust your plans if needed. 

• For now, the CDC advises anyone who is not fully vaccinated to delay unnecessary travel.
• Everyone at holiday gatherings should be fully vaccinated and, if eligible, boosted. 
• Asking party guests to wear masks when not actively eating or drinking can reduce risk.
• Properly ventilating spaces and avoiding crowding is essential. 
• Getting tested (at a testing site or with a home kit) before travel or gatherings can reduce transmission. 
• And always ask guests to stay home if they feel unwell. 
• For more tips on holiday travel and holding a safer gathering, check out the CDC’s holiday safety guide. 
• Responsible behavior leading up to the holidays will lead to safer celebrations. By limiting your risk factors now, you can help ensure the safety of those with whom you’re celebrating. 

Testing: 

• Local: Go to somervillema.gov/covid19testing to find a local testing location. 
• Regional: Go to the State’s site mass.gov/GetTested or call 211 to find additional locations. 
• Request an at-home test kit: If you are symptomatic, have been exposed to the virus, or otherwise qualify, the State will also now send you a free, at-home test kit via this partner site or call 211. 
• Purchase and at-home test kit: You can also now buy rapid at-home antigen tests at local pharmacies or order online. The FDA has approved a number of at-home rapid tests, but this information can change. Especially if ordering online, to see if an at-home test is currently approved by the FDA, visit this page and either search on the product name, or search for the word “home” (yes, it’s cumbersome, but it is important to be sure you have a quality test kit).  

Mask up & Mask well: Somerville’s requirement to wear a face covering in public indoor spaces remains in effect. Make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth at all times when in public spaces and that it fits snugly around the sides of your face. The CDC has recommendations on how to improve your mask effectiveness. In general, masks with more layers offer better protection and masks with nose wires help achieve a secure fit around your nose. We’ll say it again though, be sure your mask covers your nose too and not just your mouth for effective protection. 

The CDC recommends booster shots for everyone 18+: The Centers for Disease Control is mincing no words when it comes to COVID-19 booster shots, stating “everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot.” Evidence indicates vaccine effectiveness decreases over time, and more infectious variants like Delta and Omicron are upon us. That means if you are age 18+ and you are at least six months past your second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two months past the date of your Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you should immediately get signed up for a COVID-19 booster shot. The state has put together a list of frequently asked questions about booster shots. They are safe, free, and available regardless of your citizenship or health insurance status.

CDC authorizes Pfizer boosters for 16- and 17-year-olds who received Pfizer series: Today (just moments ago as we write), the CDC gave the final approval required for 16- and 17-year-olds to get a Pfizer booster shot. To be eligible, it must be at least six months after the second dose of Pfizer was received. More information should be on the CDC website soon.

Upcoming City booster clinics: The City of Somerville is holding three upcoming booster clinics where doses of Moderna will be available. All clinics will be held at the City Hall Annex, 50 Evergreen Ave., and require pre-registration. Clinics will be held on:

• Wednesday, December 15, noon to 2 p.m.
• Monday, December 20, 2:30 to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 22, noon to 2 p.m.

Other options to get boosters and initial vaccines: Due to high demand, all vaccine and booster locations are requiring pre-registration. Our suggestion for the first place to try is the Somerville CHA Vaccine Center in the Target shopping plaza near Union Square. CHA offers boosters for all vaccine types in addition to initial COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 5+. You may use this link for pre-registration. One tip when getting a booster shot: bring your vaccine card with you for faster processing. Other options include local pharmacies, your primary care provider, vaxfinder.mass.gov, and calling 211. 

Transportation Assistance for Vaccination: If you are unable to access a COVID-19 vaccine due to transportation challenges, but otherwise are able to leave your home, please call 3-1-1 to get connected to transportation assistance.

Homebound vaccination/booster information: Individuals who are homebound are encouraged to schedule an in-home COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the state’s COVID-19 In-Home Vaccination Program. The program is open to all individuals who are homebound, including 5- to 11-year-olds, and individuals seeking both initial or booster doses. To schedule an appointment, call the In-Home Vaccination Central Intake Line at (833) 983-0485. The Intake Line is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Representatives are available in both English and Spanish, and also have access to translators for over 100 languages. Due to high demand, the current estimated wait time for an in-home vaccination appointment is 4-6 weeks. 

Other city news and events:

• Members sought for Gilman Square Civic Advisory Committee 
• Watch Somerville’s annual Christmas tree lighting and annual Menorah lighting
• Somerville bicycle network planning meeting on December 15
• Take a self-guided holiday lights tour around the city (map posted at link)
• See the Iluminaciones light sculpture on Somerville Ave.
• Public Safety Building project meeting on December 13
• Survey: Help Somerville Prepare for Natural Hazards
• Get ready for the snowy season with the City’s Winter Guide (parking, shoveling & snow emergency rules in one handy link)

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 Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.