Normally there is an editorial from Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone in this space, but this week the City is instead sharing important information and updates about COVID-19.

Reopening Somerville
Somerville will be working off a different reopening timeline than the general guidance announced earlier this week by Governor Charlie Baker. Some elements of the State plan will be enacted immediately, some will be modified, and some will undergo further assessment to make sure workers and residents are being properly protected and that the local economic recovery is better insulated from a potential second surge of the disease.

The specific elements of what Somerville will and will not be reopening as of Tuesday, May 19, are:

• Non-essential construction starts phasing in today according to the plan Somerville announced two weeks ago.
• Hospital and medical care facilities will be resuming high-priority preventative care visits as of today, and other medical providers will restart services on Monday, May 25, in accordance with the State timeline and safety guidelines.
• Curbside retail also will begin on Monday, May 25, as allowed in the State plan.
• All additional reopening steps remain on temporary hold as the City assesses the State plan in order to make sure those phases of the reopening are practical and safe for our community. This includes, for example, hair salons, houses of worship, and playgrounds.

The City wants to make sure the reopening is handled equitably and fairly and that it does not cause disproportionate health consequences to already vulnerable communities. Some of the issues that will be considered as part of Somerville’s reopening plan include enforcement and protection for employees who raise safety issues, safe public transit, adequate COVID-19 testing for the returning workforce, sick leave, and access to protective equipment.

More information about reopening plans will be shared as it becomes available. To get the latest updates on business news and resources, business owners can sign up for the Economic Development Department’s newsletter at www.somervillema.gov/covidbizhelp.

Shared Streets Pilot Coming to Somerville
In an effort to provide more social distancing on some walking and biking routes, the City’s Mobility Team has been developing a shared streets plan, which does not fully shut down streets, based on international best practices and customized to Somerville’s public health needs. By the end of May, the first shared route will be set up and more will follow citywide over the summer. For Shared Streets, low-volume or residential side-streets are opened up to pedestrians, cyclists, and other users while still allowing vehicles but limiting those vehicles to abutters, first responders, and delivery. Somerville’s Shared Streets pilot will provide new options for residents to safely make essential trips for food, healthcare, or other needs, while also offering the wellness benefit of new routes outdoors. Signage and flexible barriers alert all users to the shared use to help keep everyone safe. Somerville’s program will use temporary materials that can be modified based on our experience with the pilot. More information will be coming on this pilot program.

Join a Virtual Town Hall to Talk about COVID-19
Join us for a series of virtual town hall meetings with Mayor Curtatone where you can learn about local COVID-19 impacts and the City’s response. Four meetings are left on the schedule – one geared toward a general audience and three tailored to specific communities. Residents can attend the meetings by joining online or calling in via a phone. Meetings will also air live on City Cable.

The meeting schedule is as follows:

• Parents Town Hall – Thursday, May 21
• A Youth Town Hall meeting is being scheduled with more information to come.

All scheduled meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Visit www.somervillema.gov/virtualtownhall at the start time of the meeting you would like to attend to join online or get call-in information. Call-in information will also be available on the day of each meeting on City Cable or by calling 311. The town halls will be recorded and made available through the City’s YouTube channel and cable channels. If you’re unable to attend a meeting live but would still like us to answer your questions, you can submit them ahead of time at www.somervillema.gov/virtualtownhall or by calling 311. Advance questions for specific meetings should be submitted by noon the day of that meeting.

Staying Informed During COVID-19
The City’s COVID-19 website, www.somervillema.gov/covid19, is updated frequently with public health information as well as resources and supports.

Here are some additional ways you can stay informed:

• Sign up for City alerts at www.somervillema.gov/alerts or by calling 311. You can choose to get phone, text, and/or email alerts.
• Tune in to City Cable (RCN channel 13, Comcast channel 22) for information and updates.
• 311 is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide information.