Additional gathering spaces closed as of March 17 to help contain the spread of COVID-19

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone declared a local state of emergency in Somerville on Sunday, March 15. This formal declaration gives the city the ability to take decisive action to control the spread of the coronavirus and allows the city to request reimbursement from the federal government for emergency response to this crisis.

Effective at 12:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, all gyms, health clubs, theaters, entertainment venues, social clubs, and houses of worship be closed through at least April 6.

Also, the City of Somerville’s playgrounds will be closed to the public and fields and courts will only be open for passive use – no team games. If possible, parents should keep children home from daycare and avoid playdates.

Residents who are 60 or older, who have respiratory illnesses, or who have weakened immune systems are advised to stay at home, as health experts have warned they are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Taking these measures now could help you avoid serious illness.

“Please, for your own health and the health of our community take these precautions seriously,” said Mayor Curtatone. “Social distancing will save lives. We are living in unprecedented circumstances, and we cannot go on with business as usual. As a community, we must drastically change our way of life in the short-term to prevent even more dire consequences in the long-term, particularly for our most vulnerable.”

Please continue to stay informed on our City website at Somervillema.gov/coronavirus, or call 311 at any time with any questions you might have.