3/28/20 Update on COVID-19 and a Reminder on Staying Safe if You Go Out

Latest News

• As of 3 p.m. today, March 28, a total of 41 Somerville residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 9 of them have since recovered.
• Mayor Curtatone extended the closure of City buildings until at least Monday, May 4. The City’s 311 line remains available 24/7.
• The start of street sweeping has been pushed back to Wednesday, April 15.
• Here are some additional updates on services while City buildings are closed:
  • Trash and recycling collection remain on a normal schedule.
  • Yard waste collection will begin on schedule during the week of April 20. Visit www.somervillema.gov/wizard to find out when your pickup day is. But please note, there will be no yard waste drop-off. 
  • Textile recycling (in the pink bags) is suspended until further notice.
  • Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off days are suspended until further notice.
  • E-Waste drop-off is suspended until further notice.
  • Rain Barrel Pick-Up Day is canceled, but the vendor will contact anyone who has placed an order.

Today’s Public Health Tip

Going outside, moving around, and enjoying the fresh air are great ways to keep your spirits up, but it is crucial that everyone remembers to continue to practice social distancing while outside. It will save lives. We know this is hard and feels strange. But it’s so important. It only takes one asymptomatic person getting too close to others, to spread deadly germs.

Please follow these guidelines when you go outside or visit a park:

• If you are sick, stay home.
• When you are out, always stay 6 feet away from anyone who does not live in your household.
• All playgrounds in Somerville are closed. Play equipment can spread the virus.
• All basketball courts are closed to prevent close contact.
• Parks and fields are open, but team sports – including pickup games – are not allowed.
• Kicking a ball with another person or members of your household is OK.
• Do not arrange playdates or social gatherings at parks. Even people who seem well can be spreading the virus.
• Dog owners should stay 6 feet away from other owners at all times and should not pet other people’s dogs.
• Community gardeners should garden alone and stay 6 feet away from other gardeners at all times. Tools should not be shared. Use hand sanitizer before and after opening gates.
• Follow CDC recommendations for staying safe. Wash your hands after being outside.
• If you get to a location and it’s too crowded to stay at a safe distance, go somewhere else. We have 250 miles of sidewalk in the City and many quiet side streets. Try walking on those instead.

Today’s Assistance Tip

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Comcast is offering 60 days of free Internet access to low-income subscribers via their Internet Essentials program, which normally is available to low-income families for $9.95 per month. They have also increased Internet speeds for all existing and new subscribers to the program to 25/3 Mbps. New customers receive a free self-install kit that includes a cable modem with a Wi-Fi router. There is no term contract or credit check and no shipping fee.

To apply to sign up: