SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Friday, Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone announced the city's state of emergency will extend beyond its original expiration date of Monday, May 18th, and that Somerville will move forward with "a [reopening] process that fits our community.” That includes the cancelation of all events through the end of the year.
Gov. Baker's is expected to announce on Monday which industries can start gradually opening back up in phase one of the state's reopening plan. Mayor Curtatone said Somerville will "assess the components of that plan and adopt an approach that fits the specific health and economic needs of the city and region."
According to the city's announcement, all currently closed or restricted businesses and activities in Somerville will remain suspended "until restarting according to existing or forthcoming City-issued reopening schedules."
The suspension of all city-sponsored or city-permitted events is also officially extended through the end of the year, and all further decisions for Somerville’s reopening efforts will continue to be made "based on scientific guidance and the best available regional and local data."
Earlier this month, Somerville announced initial steps toward reopening with a phased return for construction work, primarily including large municipal and utility projects. Those sites require the approval of detailed safety plans before they are allowed to begin work.
“Safety and a sustainable recovery will be the guiding stars of our local reopening efforts," said Curtatone. "We will evaluate every element of the Governor’s plan and determine what works best here, and then implement a timeline that aligns with local and regional data concerning the spread of this disease.”
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