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.

Face Coverings Required in all Indoor and Outdoor Public Spaces as of April 29

As of Wednesday, April 29, Somerville’s facial covering advisory is mandatory to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Anyone over the age of two is required to wear a clean face mask or face covering when in any indoor or outdoor space that is open to the public. A one-week grace period was granted to allow the community time to comply before enforcement begins.

The city and the Somerville Police are aware that it may be a challenge for everyone to comply at all times, especially for parents trying to keep masks on small children. The Police are committed to compassionate policing, and will seek first to educate members of the public about the face covering requirement wherever possible. As available, Officers will also carry masks to give to our most vulnerable. However, after the one-week grace period, persons showing willful disregard, may be subject to a written warning or a $300 fine. Exceptions will be made for persons unable to medically tolerate a face covering.

Appropriate face coverings must cover the nose and mouth and be made from a clean material. Scarves, bandanas, or any piece of clean cloth, may be used. The Centers for Disease Control website has suggestions for ways to make a face covering at home, including sew and no-sew options. There are also many tutorials on YouTube such as this no-sew mask at bit.ly/3bRT2GU made from an old t-shirt. Meanwhile, the city will continue to prioritize distribution of any available masks to our most vulnerable residents.

Free COVID-19 Testing Available to Somerville Residents at Somerville Hospital

Free COVID-19 tests are now available to all Somerville residents by appointment at the Somerville Hospital. You do not need to be symptomatic or have health insurance to get a free test. To schedule a testing appointment, call 617-665-2928, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The testing program will begin with drive-through testing at the Crown Street parking lot adjacent to Somerville Hospital and will be open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Testing will soon be expanded to walking and bicycling patients. An additional testing location will also soon be set up in East Somerville. 3,500 testing kits are being provided by the State for this new testing program and we are advocating for additional tests.

Anyone who is tested will receive guidance on how to protect themselves and family members while test results are pending. Guidance will be available in multiple languages. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be contacted by a public health nurse who will provide information and support on how to isolate and recover safely at home. Individuals who must isolate and cannot safely isolate in their home will be given the option to isolate at the Chelsea-Revere-MGH isolation hotel. Those who need additional aid will be connected with food assistance and other support services.

Applications Available for Resident and Business Assistance Funds

Applications for the Somerville Cares Fund, jointly launched by Mayor Joe Curtatone, the United Way, and the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), are now available. The Somerville Cares Fund will provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families during the COVID-19 public health crisis to meet needs such as food, housing, medicine, funeral costs, and other essential expenses.

Funding is available for:

• Somerville residents
• Persons who work in Somerville (including those recently laid off due to the pandemic)
• Families with children enrolled in Somerville Public Schools

Applications will be prioritized and funded on the basis of need; not on a first-come, first-served basis.

The application and more information can be found at www.somervillema.gov/SomervilleCaresFunding. If you would like to donate to the Somerville Cares Fund, visit www.somervillema.gov/somervillecares.

The city is also accepting applications for the Somerville Small Business COVID-19 Relief Fund, which will provide forgivable loans of up to $10,000 to Somerville businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Monday, May 11. Relief funds can be used for working capital expenses, including but not limited to rent or mortgage payments, payroll expenses including healthcare, and utility expenses. To learn more about eligibility requirements and to apply, visit www.somervillema.gov/BizRelief. Visit www.somervillema.gov/covidbizhelp for more business resources.

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.

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.