Normally there is an editorial from Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone in this space, but this week the City is instead sharing important information and updates about COVID-19.

Residents Advised to Wear Face Coverings in All Businesses and Public Areas

Last week Mayor Joe Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Health issued a public advisory in line with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that everyone over the age of two wear a clean face covering while in any public establishment or common area. This applies when entering any sort of essential business currently in operation such as grocery stores, pharmacies, laundromats, home improvement stores, and restaurant pickup sites. Face coverings also should be worn when entering and exiting multi-unit residences or commercial buildings and when passing through hallways or other common areas.

Please remember that face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. It’s important to remain at least six feet away from people who are not part of your household, even when wearing a mask.

Infants and children under the age of 2 should not wear face coverings, as it can be a hazard for them. The CDC also warns that face masks should not be used by “anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious or otherwise incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.”

Key elements to remember when wearing a face covering include:

• It should fit snugly against the side of your face;
• It should be secured with ties or ear loops;
• It should have multiple layers of fabric;
• It should allow for breathing without restriction;
• Fabric face coverings should be cleaned after each use and should be machine washable and dryer safe;
• Always remove the mask directly into the laundry or trash and then immediately wash your hands;
• Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing your mask.

Instructions for how to fashion a homemade face coverings (with both a sew and no sewing option) can be found at https://bit.ly/CDCFaceMasksDIY.

COVID-19 Community Support Team

This week 311 expanded its service with the addition of the COVID-19 Community Support Team – a

group of trained, expert volunteers who can provide support for COVID-19 related questions. They won’t be giving direct medical advice, but Community Support Team members can help with things like

how to isolate or quarantine safely, navigating financial assistance, food access, submitting online

requests for assistance, and finding additional resources or support. The Community Support Team is

available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. by calling 3-1-1 (TTY 866-808-4851) or 617-666-3311 from outside the City. Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish-speaking operators are also

available during regular business hours, and if someone calls 311 who speaks a language that 311 staff

cannot speak, a third-party translation service will join the call.

Street Sweeping Delayed to May 4

The start of street sweeping in Somerville has been delayed until Monday, May 4. Normally, street sweeping takes place from April 1 until December 31. As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 emergency, we will decide if the delay will be extended and share that information as it becomes available.

Staying Informed During COVID-19

The City’s COVID-19 website, www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus, is updated frequently with public health information as well as resources and supports. On the website you can find information about applying for unemployment; the CARE Act, a new federal law that directs $2 trillion in funding to COVID-19 relief efforts; low-cost internet access; and more.

Here are some additional ways you can stay informed:

• Sign up for City alerts at www.somervillema.gov/alerts or by calling 311. You can choose to get phone, text, and/or email alerts.
• Tune in to City Cable (RCN channel 13, Comcast channel 22) for information and updates.

311 is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide information.