Starting March 17 only takeout and delivery service at restaurants and all schools closed for three week statewide

In order to help control the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has declared a local state of emergency in Somerville. This is in addition to Governor Charlie Baker’s order to close all bars and restaurants in the state to on-site table service through April 17; and all public and private schools through April 7. All of these measures are intended to slow the spread of the disease 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.

Residents should be aware that 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 COVID-19. The city is working to eliminate any red tape that would prevent local eateries that currently do not, from operating takeout and delivery services, allowing them to adapt in these trying times.

“We understand the devastating economic impact this may have on local residents and businesses,” said Mayor  Curtatone. “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.