Somerville Coronavirus Update: City To Distribute 100K Masks

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city began handing out face masks to residents this week. It plans to distribute 100,000 three-ply masks, prioritizing senior housing buildings, public housing buildings, city and school food distribution sites and vulnerable residents.

Somerville police officers will also be handing out masks at set locations through at least May 12. To find out more, including where officers will be with masks, visit somervillema.gov.

As of 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, there have been 665 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Somerville. Ten people have died, and 291 have recovered. To sign up for free COVID-19 testing for Somerville residents, call 617-665-2928 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The city is putting out a call for homemade mask donations. Unlike civilian three-ply masks, cloth masks can be washed and reused many times. If you are sewing masks and would like to give some to your neighbors, you can put them in a sealed bag and drop them off in the book slot at either the Central or East Branch library. Find out more at somervillema.gov.

Construction to begin in phases starting May 18: In anticipation of the easing of statewide stay-at-home restrictions on May 18, the City is preparing for a careful and phased restart of construction under strict coronavirus-prevention protocols. To restart projects, all contractors will have to submit a Job Site Hazard Analysis and prepare a Site Specific Safety Plan with a focus on COVID-19 safety. The first phase of construction could begin as early as May 18, pending approval of safety plans.

Share your feedback for reopening the economy: The State’s Reopening Advisory Board is seeking feedback about reopening the economy. If you have ideas about challenges your industry might face, best practices your industry has developed, or other input you can share it HERE.

Apply for Small Business COVID-19 Relief Funds by May 11

Businesses have until 3 p.m. on Monday, May 11, to apply for a forgivable loan from the Somerville Small Business COVID-19 Relief Fund. Funds can be used for working capital expenses, including but not limited to rent or mortgage payments, payroll expenses including healthcare, and utility expenses. Visit somervillema.gov/bizrelief to learn more about requirements and to apply.

If I’ve recovered from COVID-19 am I immune?

At this time, scientists are not sure if people who recover from COVID-19 are immune to the disease. Until more is known, continue to take all the recommended steps to protect yourself and others (staying home as much as possible, washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, staying at least six feet from others when you go out, wearing face coverings in public settings).