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

After a collaborative effort between the city and local salon and barbershop owners, safety requirements were in place for Somerville hair service providers to open June 1. Establishments must submit compliant safety plans to the city before opening, follow all safety requirements in the State’s reopening plan, and, until further notice, not offer blow-drying. In less than a week, a self-selected advisory group of hair service providers representing the roughly 70 providers in the city worked with city Health Department, Inspectional Services, and Economic Development staff to review various safety protocols announced across the nation, dig into existing research, review equipment needs and sources, and issue final recommendations that exceed the requirements of the Governor’s reopening plan. Salon and barbershop owners also worked together to set up information-sharing on issues like best practices, personal protective equipment sources, and tips and solutions to issues that arise. 

City Buildings Remain Closed to the Public

City buildings will remain closed to the public beyond Monday, June 1. In the coming weeks, some city offices may begin to reopen for in-person business. More details will be shared as they become available. As a reminder, all city-sponsored and permitted events are canceled through the end of the year. Many city services are still available online and 311 is available 24 hours a day to answer any questions or for service requests.

First Shared Streets Pilot Set Up

Somerville’s first Shared Streets route, which is now up and running, connects the Winter Hill and East Somerville neighborhoods and includes the Somerville Public Schools food distribution sites at the Healey and East Somerville Community schools; the Project Soup Food Pantry at 165 Broadway; Stop and Shop; and the Capuano School. Shared Streets creates more room on quieter residential streets for pedestrians and cyclists by closing the street to through traffic, which helps people social distance as they make necessary trips. Residents of the street, their guests, emergency vehicles, and delivery and services vehicles are still allowed access. Additional routes will open throughout the summer, which will give city Mobility staff members time to evaluate each route and make changes as needed. Shared Streets routes have been designed to help connect residents with essential services like grocery stores, medical facilities, and food distribution sites. To see a full map of planned routes and schedule, visit our SomerVoice site at https://somervoice.somervillema.gov/covid19mobility. As routes are implemented, feedback on them can also be submitted on SomerVoice.

Safety measures include signage and flexible barriers to alert all users to the shared use of these streets. Somerville’s program will use temporary materials that can be modified based on our experience and feedback from residents with the pilot. Motorists allowed to use a shared street should drive slowly and expect to see people in the street on these routes. People walking, rolling, and biking should remain alert and aware and make room for these allowed vehicles.

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.