COVID-19 update for 5/19/20

On May 19, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Dear Community Members,

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

Please also be sure to check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.
Latest news:

Case Counts: As of 5:30 p.m. today, May 19, a total of 808 Somerville residents have tested positive for COVID-19, 589 of them have since recovered, and sadly there have been 23 deaths. More Somerville case data can be found on the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

Somerville’s Reopening Timeline: Somerville’s reopening timeline will look a bit different than the statewide plan announced by Gov. Charlie Baker yesterday. Some elements of the State plan will be enacted immediately, some will be modified, and some are under review to make sure workers and residents are being properly protected and that the local economic recovery is sustainable and better insulated from a potential second surge of the disease. More information will be shared as swiftly as possible in the coming days. The specific elements of what Somerville will and will not be reopening at this time are:
- Hospital and medical care facilities will be resuming high-priority preventative care visits as of yesterday (5/18), and other medical providers will restart services on Monday, May 25, in accordance with the State timeline and safety guidelines.
- Non-essential construction started phasing in yesterday (5/18) according to the plan Somerville announced two weeks ago.
- Curbside retail will begin on Monday, May 25, as allowed in the State plan.
- All additional reopening steps remain on temporary hold as the City assesses the State plan in order to make sure those phases of the reopening are practical and safe for our community. This includes, for example, hair salons, houses of worship, and playgrounds.

Join an Upcoming Virtual Town Hall Meeting to Discuss COVID-19: Join us for upcoming virtual town hall meetings with Mayor Curtatone and City staff where you can learn about local COVID-19 impacts and the City’s response. You can either participate live via Zoom or by calling in by phone, or submit questions in advance and watch live on City Cable TV (channels 13 and 613 on RCN, channel 22 on Comcast). Meetings will also be recorded and rebroadcast later on the City YouTube Channel and City Cable TV. For more information on how to participate, visit somervillema.gov/virtualtownhall. Here are the upcoming meetings:
- Community Town Hall – Tuesday, May 19, 7 to 8 p.m. (for general public)
- Parents Town Hall – Thursday, May 21, 7 to 8 p.m.
- Youth Town Hall – date to be announced (for teenagers and high school students)

Free COVID-19 testing: To sign up for free COVID-19 testing for Somerville residents, call 617-665-2928, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. It helps us move more safely toward reopening, the more people get tested. You do not need to have symptoms or a doctor’s referral.

Today’s Public Health Tip: What happens when a contact tracer calls?

If you test positive for COVID-19, you’ll get a call from a member of the State’s contact tracing team. It’s important that you take the call and answer their questions as best you can so that others who may have been exposed to COVID-19 can be informed and get tested. Contact tracers will only ask you for the names and phone numbers of people identified as your close contacts, and if you need additional resources during your recovery. They will never ask for a social security number, health insurance information, financial information, or immigration status. They will not share your name when speaking with close contacts, and they will not share your information with immigration officials or ICE.

Here’s what to expect:

The MA COVID team will call everyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has been exposed to the disease. The number calling will either be: 833-638-1585 or 857-305-2728. Your phone should say the call is from “MA COVID Team.” Calls will be made daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is important to answer the call.

During the phone call, a Case Investigator will ask you for a list of all the people you were within 6 feet of during the 48 hours prior to your symptoms and the places you visited. For those who do not have symptoms, include all contacts 48 hours prior to your diagnosis. The Case Investigator will also ask for the phone numbers of any people you identify so that they can be reached and notified about their exposure.

The Case Investigator will also discuss any needs you may have for this time period and may connect you with a Care Resource Coordinator, who will help you get the support you need.

The MA COVID Team will call your contacts to tell them they have been exposed to the disease and talk them through next steps. They will not release your name.

A Case Investigator and/or public health nurses from the Somerville Board of Health will check in on you regularly to monitor your symptoms and needs. To aid your recovery, they will provide referrals to and assistance accessing supports including the Recovery Inn, counseling services, food access, and other needs.

–Thank You, Somerville. #InThisTogether–

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.