Agenda Text
title
That the Administration provide instructions to the community in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Nepali, and Haitian Creole on how and where to report positive results on at-home COVID-19 tests.
body
Official Text
WHEREAS: COVID-19 cases in Somerville are at a record high; and
WHEREAS: The Center for Disease Control cites the disproportionately high impact of COVID-19 cases, hospitalization and deaths on communities of color, immigrant communities, and low-income people due to discrimination, limited health care access, occupation, education, and crowded housing conditions; and
WHEREAS: Changing information related to COVID-19, the Omicron Variant, and quarantining recommendations has created a level of confusion amongst the general public; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That the this Council asks the Administration to communicate instructions to the community in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Nepali, and Haitian Creole on how and where to report positive results on at-home COVID-19 tests so that municipal case data most accurately reflects the number of positive cases in the community; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That this Council asks the Administration to present its response plan within 14 days to slow community spread and administer clear guidelines for residents to mitigate transmission during this current surge; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That this Council asks the Administration to present a COVID-19 response plan that explicitly considers food access, childcare, non-congregate shelter, loss of work, income relief, and other resources for those who need to quarantine due to exposure or testing positive for COVID-19; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That this Council asks the Administration to include long term plans to increase free COVID-19 testing, vaccination opportunities, high-quality mask availability, and public awareness plans in neighborhoods and communities where low-income residents, residents of color, and immigrant residents live, work, play, and worship.