Somerville Coronavirus: Number Of Cases Above 500

SOMERVILLE, MA — The number of coronavirus cases in Somerville continues to rise, surpassing 500 this week. As of Monday, April 27 the confirmed case count stood at 532. Six people have died, and 182 patients have recovered.

The city placed stricter requirements on the use of face coverings this week. All residents age 2 or older must wear a face mask or covering when in any public outdoor or indoor space, including stores or the shared entrances of multi-unit homes, sidewalks, streets, paths and squares. Joggers and cyclists must also comply with the order.

The order goes into effect Wednesday, but there will be a one-week grace period. First-time violators will likely be given a warning; however, those who "willfully refuse to comply" may be a subject to a $300 fine, Mayor Joseph Curtatone said.

Somerville will expand coronavirus testing in three phases – drive-thru testing at Somerville Hospital for non-Cambridge Health Alliance patients, followed by walk-ups and bicyclists in the Crown Street parking lot and the opening of a satellite location in East Somerville.

See Also: How Somerville's Coronavirus Infection Rate Compares Locally