• Case Counts: As of September 11, a total of 1,189 Somerville residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since March, another 95 are considered probable positive cases (some current, some in the past), 1,100 have since recovered, and sadly there have been 38 deaths. See more Somerville case data on the City’s newly revamped COVID-19 Dashboard. On the new dashboard, you can find Somerville’s COVID-19 data broken down in a variety of ways as well as current case counts.

• City makes $2.2 million available for rental assistance, food access, and other COVID-19 support: In response to the immense need for community assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Somerville recently distributed more than $2.2 million of federal CARES Act funding to local non-profits so they can help residents with necessities such as rent, food, and childcare. (A total of $1.6M will go to rental support for residents.) To access housing assistance supported via this funding, contact the City’s Office of Housing Stability at somervillema.gov/ohs or call 617-625-6600 ext. 2581. All other supports will be provided directly via the funded nonprofits (listed here) through their usual service delivery.

• City to test wastewater as an early-warning system for coronavirus: The City, working with Northeastern University and Stantec, has launched a community wastewater testing program to monitor for the coronavirus. Testing sewer water can provide earlier detection of increased spread of the disease. The program is designed to reveal COVID-19 hotspots up to one to two weeks earlier than testing of individuals would. Testing began last week. Up to ten samples will be collected weekly and locations will vary. In short, you could say Somerville is flush with new initiatives.

• Phase 3 reopening: Certain Phase 3 businesses, including fitness clubs and gyms, were allowed to open — with restrictions — in Somerville on Tuesday, September 8. All businesses seeking to open must have a City-approved health and safety plan and meet stringent COVID-19 safety requirements. The requirements, which are designed to decrease the risk of virus transmission, include all State requirements as well as measures that exceed State standards such as mandatory face coverings for all staff and patrons at all times.

• Support your neighbors through the Somerville Cares Fund (or apply for assistance): Now that the additional $600 per week federal unemployment benefit has ended, more people in our community are facing financial hardship and making tough choices when it comes to paying for essentials. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to, please consider making a donation to the Somerville Cares Fund. If you are in need of assistance, you can apply to the fund via the same link. This donation-based fund gives direct assistance to Somerville residents, workers, and families to help cover basic needs like groceries, diapers, personal hygiene products, medical copays, and prescriptions. The community has been immensely generous, donating more than $650,000 so far, but the fund has run dry. Even a small donation will help.

• Here’s a free, easy way to support the community – fill out the 2020 Census: The deadline to respond to the 2020 U.S. Census is just weeks away. We only have until September 30 to get everyone in Somerville counted. It takes just 10 minutes to respond online at my2020census.gov or by phone at (844) 330-2020. Billions of dollars are at stake for things Somerville needs right now, like health care centers, housing, education, and emergency response. Our vital representation in Congress is also determined by the count. Right now, U.S. Census takers are visiting homes in Somerville to help you respond. You can call 212-882-7100 to verify a census taker’s identity before opening the door.

• Free COVID-19 testing: CHA Somerville Hospital offers free testing at Assembly Row by appointment. To make an appointment, call 617-665-2928 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.). The mobile COVID-19 testing unit also offers testing in our neighborhoods to make access easier for residents. Mobile testing schedules and more information on both can be found under the “Symptoms, Testing, & Medical Info” tab on somervillema.gov/covid19.

Upcoming Virtual Town Halls

• Arts & Culture Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic 9/15: Somerville’s artists and the cultural community, as well as all interested persons, are invited to join us for a virtual town hall to discuss challenges faced by the arts community that have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as possible solutions. The town hall will be held on Tuesday, September 15, starting at 6:30 p.m. Details are available at somervillema.gov/news.

• Somerville Public Schools Reopening Town Hall, 9/21: The Somerville Public Schools and the City of Somerville will jointly host a virtual Schools Reopening Town Hall on Monday, September 21, at 5:30 p.m. Updates on safety measures and what to expect in the new school year will be provided. Details are available at somervillema.gov/news.

Today’s Assistance Tip: September is National Recovery Month