City distributing free KN95 masks, masks strongly encouraged when indoors in public

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised the COVID-19 Community Level for all of Middlesex County including Somerville to HIGH on Thursday evening, May 5. The majority of Massachusetts counties were also at a HIGH level at this time including Suffolk (which includes Boston), Norfolk, Worcester, Berkshire, Barnstable, and Franklin. 

The City is strongly encouraging that high-quality masks be worn indoors in public while the CDC COVID-19 Community Level remains high and that all persons ensure they are up to date on vaccination. Free KN95 masks provided to Somerville by the Commonwealth are being offered to residents at all City libraries and at City Hall. Masks should fit snugly and cover both your nose and mouth.

The CDC recommends following these prevention tips when COVID-19 community levels are HIGH:

• Wear a mask indoors in public

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines

• Get tested if you have symptoms

• Stay home if sick or recently exposed 

• Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness

City Locations and Pharmacies Offering Free Masks:

• Somerville Libraries and City Hall: Residents may pick up high-quality KN95 masks for free at all three Somerville Libraries starting today (May 6) and at City Hall (starting May 11) during business hours. 

  • Central Library: 79 Highland Ave.

  • East Branch Library: 115 Broadway

  • West Branch Library: 40 College Ave.

  • City Hall: 93 Highland Ave. (starting Wednesday, May 11)

• Pharmacies: All may pick up high-quality N95 masks provided by the federal government for free at participating pharmacies. Locations include:

  • CVS Pharmacies in Somerville (while supplies last)

    • 532 Medford St. (617) 628-1401

    • 495 Grand Union Blvd. (617) 616-1065

    • 1 Davis Square (617) 629-4156

  • Find more pharmacies offering free masks with the CDC lookup tool

  • If you’re having trouble finding high-quality masks, please contact 3-1-1 (617-666-3311) for assistance.

COVID-19 RESOURCES:

• Get Tested: If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should get tested. Find a testing site near you or where to get an at-home test kit at somervillema.gov/covidtesting. 

• If You Test Positive: The CDC advises that you isolate for at least five days. Read the full guidance. 

• Get Vaccinated & Boosted: Vaccinations are our best defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. But protection does wane over time, which is why getting a booster is so important. Keep your immune defenses strong by getting up to date on your vaccines, including a booster. Boosters are recommended for everyone age 12+. Learn more at somervillema.gov/covidvaccine. For information on where you can get a vaccine visit:

  • Somerville CHA Vaccine Center, 176 Somerville Ave.  (Target shopping plaza)Moderna and Pfizer boosters and initial vaccines for ages 5+.

    • Walk-in or pre-register here. 

    • Please note: This clinic will permanently close May 20, 2022.

  • Pop-up Clinics: See somervillema.gov/vaccine for all pop-up clinics. (go to the City Vaccination Clinics tab)

    • May 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Somerville YMCA, 101 Highland Ave. Walk-ins are welcome or pre-register here. More details here.

    • Register at somervillema.gov/covidvaccine (go to the City Vaccination Clinics tab)

  • Other local sites: Go to vaxfinder.mass.gov or call 211. 

  • Transportation Assistance: If you are unable to access a COVID-19 vaccine due to transportation challenges but otherwise are able to leave your home, please call 311 (617-666-3311) to get connected to transportation assistance.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.

— City of Somerville