COVID-19 update for 5/28/20

On May 28, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Dear Community Members,

Here is a COVID-19 update for Thursday, May 28.

Please also be sure to check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.

Latest news:

Case Counts: As of 3 p.m., May 28, a total of 880 Somerville residents have tested positive for COVID-19, 645 have since recovered, and sadly there have been 26 deaths. See more Somerville case data on the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

Flags at half-staff in Somerville: The nation reached a painful milestone this week: we’ve now had 100,000 known deaths in the United States due to COVID-19. Among them are the 26 souls we’ve lost right here at home. To solemnly observe this heartbreaking loss of life within Somerville and the country, as well as to pay respects to all in the world who have been taken by the virus, the flags in Somerville were lowered to half-staff today.

Additional $1.5 million coming for rental assistance: The City recently became eligible for $2 million in U.S. CARES Act funding, $1.5 million of which the City earmarked for rental assistance for those who need it most, and one-half million will be used for other COVID-19 relief efforts, including healthcare services and food security programs. Residents seeking rental assistance will be able to access the funds through partner nonprofit organizations. Further details about that process will be announced soon. More info here. (Find more information on housing resources below.)

Street sweeping reminder: Street sweeping began last Monday and parking enforcement will begin this coming Monday, June 1. Until June 1, we are asking for voluntary compliance. On Monday, June 1, parking officers will start issuing tickets for not observing street sweeping rules. Street sweeping removes debris off the streets so it doesn’t clog storm drains, which can cause flooding. Check the signs on your street and visit somervillema.gov/sweeper to be sure you know when to move your car. Policies are being developed to account for persons ordered to isolate due to COVID-19 who are thus unable to move their car.

Free COVID-19 testing: The Somerville Board of Health strongly urges all residents to be tested for COVID-19. The more people that get tested, the safer our reopening will be. You do not need to have symptoms or a doctor’s referral. To sign up for free COVID-19 testing for Somerville residents, call 617-665-2928, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Today’s Assistance Tip: What do I do if I need help paying my rent or mortgage?

First, contact your landlord or lender to talk through delayed or partial payment options.

Renters: Contact your landlord or management company as soon as you can. See if you can set up a payment plan with them with repayment dates, and get everything in writing. If you won’t be able to pay your rent, send this form to your landlord within 30 days of the missed payment. Instructions on how to fill out the form are here. One form must be filled out for each month of missed payment. If you can’t access the form, you can email or send a letter to your landlord with the same information and documentation. This will protect you from late fees and negative credit reporting under the MA Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium Act. More information about support for renters is also available on our Tenant FAQs.

Owners: If you are concerned about making upcoming mortgage payments, contact your mortgage servicer (the company where you send your monthly payments) as soon as possible to let them know about your current circumstances. The telephone number and mailing address of your mortgage servicer should be listed on your monthly mortgage statement. It is important to contact lenders to discuss your situation, as missed payments can cause late and other collection fees to accrue. More information about support for property owners is also available Property Owner FAQs.

These resources are available to help with rent and mortgage payments:

Some emergency rental assistance funds are available through the City of Somerville and Somerville nonprofit agencies. Note all offices are being staffed remotely but will be checking phone lines and will reach out to callers.
Somerville Office of Housing Stability: You can request services online here or call the intake line at 617-625-6600 ext. 2581.
Somerville Homeless Coalition: 617-623-6111
Community Action Agency of Somerville: 617-623-7370
Just-A-Start: 617-494-0444
In response to the COVID-19 State of Emergency in Massachusetts, additional funding is now available through the State’s Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program. If you’re interested in applying for RAFT funds, please contact the Office of Housing Stability by completing this online referral form or calling 617-625-6600 Ext. 2581.

Today’s Public Health Tip: Online short course in Psychological First Aid: Supporting Yourself and Others during COVID-19

To help people build resilience and lend support to others during these difficult times, Red Cross Training Services has developed a new Psychological First Aid: Supporting Yourself and Others during COVID-19 course. The content is based on guidance from the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, the CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The online course takes approximately one hour to complete and includes content on recognizing stress as well as caring for yourself while supporting your family and coworkers.

–Thank You, Somerville. #InThisTogether–

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.