Here is the COVID-19 update as of  Friday, October 22. Please also check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.  

Booster shots explained: Booster shots of all COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the FDA for people who are considered to be at higher risk if they contract the virus or who are at higher risk of exposure due to their work or residential settings. The FDA has also approved “mixing and matching” booster shots, so you can get a booster of any of the COVID-19 vaccines regardless of what type of COVID-19 vaccine you previously received.  Please keep in mind the eligibility categories may change in the future. If you are not sure if you are eligible for a booster, consult with your doctor. 

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By Joe Lynch
Former Ward 5 Democratic City Committee Chair

Should we abolish the Somerville Police Department? The answer to this question should be next to every candidate’s name on this year’s Somerville ballot.

The slogan “defund the police” means many things. But the repeated message from the Democratic Socialists of America-Boston (DSA), candidates for office in Somerville is clear: the outright abolition of the Somerville Police Department.

East Somerville’s Taco Loco Mexican Grill is a long-time local favorite.

By Sophia Oliveira

There’s always that one restaurant that incites a warm, comforting feeling inside. A spot that feels like home, because it is home to you. A place that you always find yourself coming back to, even without realizing it. For me, that place is Taco Loco Mexican Grill.

— Photo courtesy of Alonso Nichols/Tufts University

By Jim Clark

Tufts University student Madelyn Nicpon was attending a fundraising event at a private Somerville residence in support of breast cancer research last Saturday, when she began choking while participating in a hot dog eating contest.

Nicpon was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment after losing consciousness, but passed away on Sunday.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to the Target store on Somerville Ave. last Thursday on reports of a shoplifter.

As the officers approached the store, they were informed by police dispatch that the suspect had just stolen from and then left the store.

The store’s Asset Protection agent stated that the suspect was a frequent shoplifter, who hits them quickly then heads to Sullivan Station. Units responded within minutes to Target but could not find the man in question.

If you would like to vote by mail in the November 2 general election, your completed ballot application must be received (not postmarked) by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 27.

Voters can download an application at somervillema.gov/VoteByMail or pick one up at the Elections Department in City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue. You can fill out and submit your application on the spot. Please remember that face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces.