A sign of the times. Social distancing is the new norm. — Photo by Doug Holder

By Jim Clark

As the world at large grapples with the coronavirus emergency, our own local efforts at quelling the advance of the deadly illness has taken shape as the city’s leadership steps up and issues its calls to action.

It has been an almost daily drama, with updated directives and advisories overtaking those issued in some cases only hours earlier.

On Friday of last week, Mayor Joseph Curtatone issued the following statement:

“The news regarding the COVID-19 has been developing rapidly. I wanted to take this moment to personally update you on Somerville’s actions to curtail the spread of the virus.”

“The disease officially has been classified as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. It’s important that we all take this public health emergency seriously and do what we can to help stop its spread. Coronavirus is more contagious than the flu, it is more deadly than the flu, and none of us are immune to it. If we allow it to spread unchecked, it will overwhelm our healthcare system, as we are seeing in Italy.”

“Earlier this week I, along with other regional leaders, heard from public health experts who made it clear that COVID-19 should be taken seriously and that our best defense against its transmission is to practice social distancing, which means cutting interpersonal contact to a bare minimum.”

“Based on this warning, we are closing all City buildings and schools starting Monday for at least two weeks. Essential functions will continue, but the community should be prepared for these disruptions to potentially continue longer. They are vitally necessary. Limiting contact with others, along with handwashing and staying home if you feel sick, will slow the transmission of this disease. These measures can – and will — save lives.”

“We are currently working on food assistance and outreach to vulnerable populations in our city. We ask you to check on your neighbors, seniors, and those who may need assistance. Yet remember to practice social distancing with six feet of separation even when doing that.”

“This situation is rapidly evolving, so expect regular updates. We will post all available information on our City website at Somervillema.gov/coronavirus and our 311 operators will be available 24/7 to answer any questions you might have.”

“Thank you for listening, Somerville. We know these are trying times and we will work through this together.”

Then, on Sunday, the Mayor’s Office issued the following emergency declaration:

“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.”

As a follow-up, the Mayor’s Office announced on Monday:

“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.”

Schools, government offices, private businesses and entertainment venues have followed suit over the course of these advisories and closed their doors for the short term, and hoping that the closures will end as soon as it is safe to do so.