Green Line Extension to Reopen Broadway & Washington Street Bridges
Friday, May 29, 2020Washington Street Bridge/Underpass near McGrath Highway to Reopen May 31 Broadway Bridge in Ball Square Scheduled to Reopen First Week of June
Washington Street Bridge/Underpass near McGrath Highway to Reopen May 31 Broadway Bridge in Ball Square Scheduled to Reopen First Week of June
Collaborative Process Between City & Local Proprietors Sets Higher Safety Standards and June 1 Reopening Date for Somerville Salons & Barber Shops
Friday, May 29, 2020After a collaborative effort by Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, local salon and barbershop owners, the Somerville Board of Health, and City staff, a reopening timeline and safety requirements are now in place for Somerville hair service providers. Establishments will be allowed to reopen on June 1 on the condition that they submit compliant safety plans to the City, follow all safety requirements in the State’s reopening plan, and, until further notice, do not offer blow-drying.
Somerville Announces Additional $1.5 Million for Rental Assistance
Thursday, May 28, 2020Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone today announced an additional $1.5 million in rental assistance for Somerville residents experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding, which is provided by the federal CARES Act, will be distributed to local nonprofits to support rental assistance for low- and moderate-income households.
Memorialization Committee Seeks Two Resident Members
Tuesday, May 26, 2020The City of Somerville’s newly formed Memorialization Committee, which will name public assets like buildings, streets, and parks, is accepting applications for two resident positions. The Committee will also develop policies and procedures to follow when choosing names. The committee will meet when needed to name a public asset and meetings could begin as early as this summer. Appointees will serve a two-year term and must be confirmed by the City Council.
COVID-19 Update for 5/23/2020, Memorial Day Information, and Free Testing
Saturday, May 23, 2020Below is a message from the Somerville, MA Community Alert System. Sign up to receive these updates by email, text, or phone. Dear Community Members, Here is a COVID-19 update for Saturday, May 23. Please also be sure to check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.
Somerville Sets Official Schedule for First Phase of Reopenings
Thursday, May 21, 2020After a review of Governor Charlie Baker’s phased reopening plan, the City of Somerville has set a Monday, June 1, start for on-premises businesses such as manufacturing, offices, and certain personal services. The extra time added by the City will allow for new local case numbers to continue their steady decline and for COVID-19 testing efforts to be expanded both in number and with a new mobile testing unit.
Somerville’s Health Emergency Will Remain in Place Beyond May 18th
Friday, May 15, 2020Mayor 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.
City Buildings to Remain Closed Until June 1 and Street Sweeping Delayed Until May 18
Tuesday, May 12, 2020City buildings will remain closed to the public until at least Monday, June 1. Further delays are possible, and we will share updates as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Town Hall Series to Discuss COVID-19 Starts 5/12
Friday, May 8, 2020Join us for a series of virtual town hall meetings with Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone where you can learn about local COVID-19 impacts and the City's response. Five meetings are planned - one geared toward a general audience and four tailored to specific communities. Residents can participate and watch in a range of ways:
City to Distribute 100,000 Commercial Masks to Residents; Launches 10,000 Mask Drive for Homemade Cloth Masks
Thursday, May 7, 2020Starting this week, the City of Somerville will be distributing 100,000 civilian three-ply masks with a focus on getting masks to people most vulnerable to COVID-19. Because these masks can only be reused a limited number of times, the City is also putting out a call for donated cloth masks that can also be distributed to residents.
Somerville Announces Timeline for Phased Construction Restart Under Strict COVID Safety Protocols and Additional Business Updates
Thursday, May 7, 2020In anticipation of the easing of statewide stay-at-home restrictions on May 18, the City is preparing for a phased resumption of construction under strict COVID-prevention protocols. In preparation for May 18, the State has also eased some restrictions on non-essential businesses and is seeking feedback on how to safely reopen the economy.
Enjoy Local Musicians at CouchFest, 5/9
Wednesday, May 6, 2020The Somerville Arts Council wasn’t going to let spring go by without PorchFest, but to keep everyone healthy and safe this year, it will be CouchFest! On Saturday, May 9, from noon to 6 p.m., you can tune in to live and pre-recorded performances from local musicians right from your couch. To find out who is performing and when, visit this year’s CouchFest map at somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest/2020.
COVID-19 Update for 4/28/20 and Free COVID-19 Testing in Somerville
Tuesday, April 28, 2020Below is a message from the Somerville, MA Community Alert System. Sign up to receive these updates by email, text, or phone. Dear Community Members, Here is a COVID-19 update for Tuesday, April 28. Please also be sure to check somervillema.gov/coronavirus for information and resources that are updated frequently.
Somerville Cares Fund Applications Now Available
Tuesday, April 28, 2020Applications for support are now being accepted for the donation-funded Somerville Cares Fund jointly launched by Mayor Joe Curtatone, the United Way, and the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS). The Somerville Cares Fund will provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families during the COVID-19 public health crisis to meet needs such as food, housing, medicine, funeral costs, and other essential expenses.
Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone Launches COVID-19 Mitigation Plan with Community-Wide Testing, Tracking, Contact Tracing, and Safe Social Isolation Plan
Monday, April 27, 2020“These first 3,500 tests are a good start, but you can be sure we will be advocating for more. No matter who you are or whether you have health coverage, you should have access to this kind of free testing.” –Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone A new community-wide COVID-19 mitigation program for testing, tracking, contact tracing, and safe social isolation for Somerville residents was announced today by Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) CEO Assaad Sayah, MD, and Doug Kress, of the Somerville Board of Health.
Somerville Requires Mask or Face Covering in All Indoor and Outdoor Public Spaces
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COVID-19 Update for 4/25/20 and Information on Applying for Small Business COVID-19 Relief Funds
Saturday, April 25, 2020Below is a message from the Somerville, MA Community Alert System. Sign up to receive these updates by email, text, or phone. Dear Community Members, Here is a COVID-19 update for Saturday, April 25. Please also be sure to check somervillema.gov/coronavirus for information and resources that are updated frequently.
Somerville’s Senior Buildings Ordered to Share COVID-19 Safety Plans
Wednesday, April 22, 2020Today Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Health issued an order requiring senior housing facilities to share existing COVID-19 safety plans or formally create plans and policies aimed at increasing the safety of and maximizing the protection of their residents, who may be at higher risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, as well as building staff. Building management must submit these plans within 48 hours of receiving the order.
COVID-19 Update for 4/21/20 and Updates on Applying for Unemployment
Tuesday, April 21, 2020Below is a message from the Somerville, MA Community Alert System. Sign up to receive these updates by email, text, or phone. Dear Community Members, Here is a COVID-19 update for Tuesday, April 21. Please also be sure to check somervillema.gov/coronavirus for information and resources that are updated frequently.
Mayor Curtatone's Statement on School Remaining Closed Through End of Academic Year
Tuesday, April 21, 2020"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." 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.