Somerville Declares Local State Of Emergency For Coronavirus

SOMERVILLE, MA — Mayor Joseph Curtatone declared a local state of emergency in Somerville Sunday, building on Gov. Charlie Baker's order to close all bars and restaurants to on-site table service through April 17 and private schools through April 7. These measures are in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting interpersonal contact.

The formal declaration of a local state of emergency gives the city the ability to take decisive action to control the spread of coronavirus. It also creates a formal mechanism for the city to be reimbursed by the federal government for emergency response to this crisis.

Starting Tuesday, March 17, eateries will only be allowed to operate takeout and delivery services with safety and social distancing guidelines to help reduce potential transmission of the coronavirus. The city is working to eliminate any red tape that would prevent local restaurants that currently do not operate takeout and delivery services from adapting to such restrictions.

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"We understand the devastating economic impact this may have on local residents and businesses," Curtatone said in a statement. "We have more than 4,000 people working in the food service and accommodations industry in Somerville, so our community will be hit hard by these changes. We wish we could tell people that some semblance of normalcy could avoid the most dire consequences, but it was crucial for the Governor to take this step today. Unfortunately, the epidemiologists consulting with us are advising that social distancing is our only current defense against a mass contagion."

The city is working with state and federal legislators to provide economic aid to the workers, families and small businesses impacted by these coronavirus-related closures.

The City and Somerville Public Schools will continue to post updates at www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus as more information becomes available. When appropriate, information will also be shared via City alerts. Sign up or check your subscriptions at www.somervillema.gov/Alerts. Sign up for every method you are able to receive: phone call, text, email.