COVID-19 cases distributed throughout the city; local case counts still necessitate caution – New mobile COVID-19 testing unit to begin operation 

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that the citywide state of emergency due to the threat of the COVID-19 virus will continue beyond Monday, May 18. Currently closed or restricted businesses and activities will remain suspended until restarting according to existing or forthcoming city-issued reopening schedules. The city’s suspension of all city-sponsored or -permitted events is now also officially extended through the end of the year. Further decisions for Somerville’s reopening efforts will continue to be made based on scientific guidance and the best available regional and local data.

Amid this COVID-19 crisis, mental health has become an even more important issue. Please reach out if you need help. www.somervillema.gov/coronavirushelp

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.

 100,000 Commercial Masks Being Distributed to Residents

Last week the city began distributing 100,000 civilian three-play masks to residents across the city with a focus on getting masks to people most vulnerable to COVID-19. Masks are first being delivered to senior residences, public housing buildings, and city and school food distribution sites. This is the second round of mask distribution. Previously, the city delivered 4,000 civilian three-ply masks to senior buildings.

Somerville Cares Fund Update

Dear Community Members,

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Let’s get away from today’s problems and take a little trip back in time to Paragon Park, Nantasket Beach. The park operated from 1902 through approximately 1984. Lots of us have happy memories of outings, family days and just plain fun at Paragon Park.

Fire heavily damaged a single family home at 40 Everett Avenue on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. The fire was reported at 12:38 p.m. The first floor suffered extensive fire damage with smoke and water resulting in heavy damage elsewhere. The sole occupant of the home was out at the time the fire started. Damage is estimated in excess of $250,000.

The project site at the corner of Dane and Tyler Streets will be used for the winning art installation. — Photo courtesy of Somernova

By Shira Laucharoen

Somernova, a business complex in Union Square that aims to foster creativity and innovation, is partnering with the Somerville Arts Council and Call to Arts to produce the Somernova Art Project. The open call to artists to submit proposals began on May 5, and the work is intended to be finished by June 24. The chosen piece will be displayed by a blank white wall that is part of the Somernova campus.

By Stanley Hurwitz

A South Shore mother stresses about her 30-year-old daughter with long-time mental illness and drug addiction issues who’s been living on Boston streets for two years.

To sign up for free COVID-19 testing for Somerville residents, call 617-665-2928, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. You do not need to have symptoms or a doctor’s referral.

Members of Somerville Aux Fire/Cert team helped distribute food from food bank to elderly, and others in need. Along with with several volunteers, they also bagged more than 25K face masks to be distributed to several city agencies. These tasks started last Tuesday and continued until Friday evening. Countless hours were volunteered to make this all happen, with all working on their own time.