COVID-19 update for 5/5/20

On May 5, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Here is a COVID-19 update for Tuesday, May 5.

Please also be sure to check somervillema.gov/coronavirus for information and resources that are updated frequently.

Latest news:

Case Counts: As of 8:30 p.m. yesterday, May 4, a total of 639 Somerville residents have tested positive for COVID-19, 277 of them have since recovered, and sadly there have been nine deaths.

Face coverings required statewide: Last week Gov. Charlie Baker announced that starting Wednesday, May 6, face coverings will be required in public in all cities and towns throughout the state. The statewide order does not apply to anyone under the age of two or anyone who is medically unable to use a face covering.

More capacity at the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA): To better help the more than 650,000 Massachusetts residents who have applied for unemployment since the COVID-19 crisis began, DUA has expanded its call center capacity. The DUA call center at (877) 626-6800 now has 1,200 employees, up from 50 pre-crisis. Multilingual call agents are available.

Pick up the phone for contact tracers: If your caller ID tells you that “MA COVID Team” is calling, that’s one you should pick up. Staff from the State’s Community Tracing Collaborative are calling people who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 to make sure they’re aware and to share information about healthcare and quarantine procedures.

Extended deadline to apply for insurance through the Health Connector: An extended enrollment period is available through May 25, for qualified Massachusetts residents who are uninsured. Anyone who has recently lost their coverage should apply. Learn more at mahealthconnector.optum.org.

Curbside textile recycling is back: Our contractor Simple Recycling has resumed curbside collection of textile recycling. You can now put out Simple Recycling pink bags on your normal trash day for pick up. If you need pink bags please call Simple Recycling at 866-835-5068 or put in a request at simplerecycling.com.

CouchFest is this Saturday: The Arts Council found a creative way to keep one of our favorite festivals going – this Saturday PorchFest is becoming CouchFest. From noon to 6 p.m. you can watch online performances from local musicians. No need to worry about a rain date or putting on shoes. You can find links to performances on the CouchFest map. If you’re a musician who would like to participate, you have until May 7 to register on the Arts Council’s website.

Today’s Assistance Tip: Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) starts in May

Massachusetts families with school-aged children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals will start receiving an extra $28.50 in EBT benefits per week per student this month. The additional funds are part of the federal P-EBT program. The Department of Transitional Assistance will be sending letters to eligible families this month with more information, including when your P-EBT benefits will begin. If you have a child or children who receive free or reduced-price meals at school and you do not receive a letter about P-EBT by late May, call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at (800) 645-8333 (TTY 800-377-1292). P-EBT benefits can be used at any store that accepts EBT or SNAP benefits.

Today’s Public Health Tip: Go outside, but be safe

With more warm, sunny days in the forecast, more people will be heading outside. Going out to get some sun and exercise can have a positive impact on mental and physical health, but it’s important to go outside safely. Don’t forget to stay at least six feet away from anyone not in your household – that might mean waiting to come back to a park or walking route when it’s less crowded – and to wear a face covering to protect others.