Coronavirus In Somerville: Number Of Cases Above 400

SOMERVILLE, MA — The number of coronavirus cases in Somerville has risen above 400, according to the latest figures from local health officials. As of Tuesday, April 21, the case count stood at 410. Six deaths have been attributed to the coronavirus, and 150 people have recovered.

Gov. Baker announced Tuesday that the state is extending the closure of all public and private schools through the end of the school year, and the closure of all non-emergency child care programs until June 29.

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone released the following statement in support of the governor's decision:

"I fully support Governor Baker's decision to keep Massachusetts schools closed for the remainder of the school year. It is the only sensible decision as we find ourselves in the surge phase of this pandemic. We simply cannot secure public health at this time by sending thousands of students, teachers, and staff back to school in our community.

This is a hard blow to students who will be missing the social interaction of school, graduations, proms, sports seasons, plays, concerts, and field trips, but it is the necessary response to the gravity of the moment in which we live. Like other municipalities across the state, our school system is working to make sure students and families have the resources they need to participate in online learning.

We thank students, parents, and teachers for the extra effort they've put into adapting to these trying times. We know this isn't easy for anyone, but it is what we must do to protect the health of the entire society around us."

Somerville joined neighboring Arlington this week in allowing restaurants to sell groceries during the public health crisis. Restaurants will be allowed to offer pick-up and delivery of grocery items, but businesses that have not previously sold direct-to-consumer groceries must provide a detailed operations and safety plan for storage and distribution to the Director of Inspectional Services.

A 14-day quarantine order was issued Saturday at the Mt. Pleasant senior apartment building after eight cases were confirmed at the complex. Officials said they are concerned that the true number of Mt. Pleasant residents already positive for COVID-19 is higher than the eight cases currently known, and they are working to secure further testing at the building.