~Photo by Doug Holder

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.

On Monday, March 23, Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a stay-at-home advisory, effective through Tuesday, April 7, outlining social distancing and public health safety protocols like stopping unnecessary travel and staying home except for necessary errands. Public health experts have said that minimizing contact with others is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19. Non-essential businesses were also ordered to stop in-person business through April 7.

The types of businesses allowed to be open and operating include (but are not limited to):

• Animal shelters
• Auto supplies
• Auto repair
• Bakers
• Banks, Credit Unions, Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies
• Bike supplies and repair shops (no bike sales)
• Building supply stores
• Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes.
• Butchers
• Check cashing services
• Convenience stores
• Counseling services
• Dentists
• Dry cleaners
• Food banks and pantries
• Gas stations
• General merchandise retailers such as Target (for grocery, pharmacy, essential supplies only)
• Grocery stores (or any store selling primarily food items)
• Hardware stores
• Healthcare providers (hospitals, clinics, urgent care, doctors, home health aides, etc.)
• Hotels, motels, shared rental units and similar facilities
• Internet/Cable Service provider retail locations
• Laundromats
• Liquor stores
• Manufacturers of medical or other essential supplies for addressing COVID-19
• The MBTA is operating but on a reduced schedule
• Medical cannabis dispensaries
• Mental Health Providers
• Mobile phone stores
• Occupational therapy providers
• Pet food and supply stores
• Pharmacies
• Physical therapy providers
• Professional services (when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities and critical sector services or where failure to provide such services during the time of the order would result in significant prejudice)
• Retail stores that sell essential goods such as medical supplies or cleaning products
• Specialty Food Stores
• Veterinary care providers

Childcare centers approved by the State for emergency use will also remain open.

Also on Monday, March 23, Mayor Joseph Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Health ordered that all non-essential construction in the city stop until April 7. Crews will have until Friday, March 27, to cease operations and secure their sites. The Director of Inspectional Services and Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management can approve extensions on a case by case basis where additional time is needed. Exceptions will be carefully scrutinized and must include safety protocols to protect workers and residents.

The City of Somerville is posting information on COVID-19, response to this public health emergency, and resources available to residents and businesses at www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus. This page is updated frequently, so don’t forget to check back.