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

Earlier today Governor Baker issued a statewide stay-at-home advisory and ordered all non-essential businesses to close effective tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, at noon. This was the right thing to do. If we don’t take social distancing seriously and stay at home as much as is possible, COVID-19 will overwhelm our healthcare system, creating a crisis for anybody needing medical care.

Businesses allowed to be open and operating include (but are not limited to):

• Auto supplies
• Auto repair
• Bakeries
• Banks, Credit Unions, Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies
• Bicycle shops (because they support essential transportation)
• 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
• Grocery stores (or any store selling primarily food items)
• Hardware stores
• Healthcare providers (hospitals, clinics, urgent care, doctors, optometrists, etc.)
• Hotels, motels, shared rental units and similar facilities
• Internet/Cable Service provider retail locations
• Laundromats
• Liquor stores
• 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

Today I also ordered all construction projects to cease general operations, establish services necessary for in-use buildings to function, and make their sites safe to the general public by Friday, March 27. Essential construction work, like maintaining utility service, will be allowed under this order. For more information, visit www.somervillema.gov/covid19constructionupdate.

We will continue posting updates about closures, City functions, and the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency at www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus.

I know these decisions bring hardship to so many of us. Our economy is grinding to a near-halt and people suddenly find themselves out of a job. We will need state and federal assistance to support our most vulnerable residents – and those newly thrust into financial insecurity by this health crisis.

That’s why I have been voicing my support for the state to suspend evictions and foreclosures and for a rent freeze or rental assistance program for both residents and businesses. Locally, we have mobilized to provide food and supplies to our students, families, and others in need. We are also striving to be sure our local businesses have access to federal and state supports. We will continue to seek solutions right here to the needs brought on by this crisis. And we will continue to urge the state and federal government to act swiftly to give people the peace of mind that their housing is assured and that we have jobs to return to on the other side of this emergency.

This is no ordinary time. We must pull together and make sacrifices we never contemplated having to make. Like the simple act of staying home. I also ask you to stay informed. Please visit www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus for regular updates.