Somerville Shutting Down All Personal Care Businesses

SOMERVILLE, MA — Health officials in Somerville are placing restrictions on personal services and general retail provided in person. This includes hairdressers and barbers, nail salons, massage services, body art, body work, spa services and general retail.

The order does not include childcare services, which have been addressed via a statewide order, or services provided by a licensed healthcare provider such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy. It does not apply to grocery stores, hardware stores, liquor stores, bicycle shops, laundromats, dry cleaners, or stores that sell essential household goods and cleaning products.

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone released a statement calling for a Stay at Home order:

"The region, the northeast, and the nation must act now to prevent unnecessary loss of life. In the face of slow federal action, the entire northeast must unite to swiftly roll out clear and consistent rules for the region. We’ve seen Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey set the example for how to coordinate across state lines. I am calling for Massachusetts to join Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire to implement uniform bold measures including a Stay at Home order. This is no time for half measures and there is no time to delay. Municipalities can start this process but the region must complete it. Our measures today are a small but critical step. Absent broader action, we will be announcing more. But our hope is that New England will bring its famous grit, determination, and leadership to bear on this crisis. New England must together break the cycle of this virus before it is too late."