As a City, as a state, as a nation, and as an international community, we are faced with an unprecedented time. Day-by-day, hour-by-hour, the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic are evolving, which I know is having a tremendous impact on all of you. Understandably, many of you have experiencing feelings of anxiety, confusion, and fear. It is my goal to alleviate those feelings, to provide answers, and to connect you with the necessary local, state, and federal resources to assist you in getting through this difficult period.
In dealing with a global crisis such as this, it is important that we act as a community and adhere to the guidance provided by the professionals in this field. Measures aimed at preventing the continuing spread of the virus will only be effective if all of us are on the same page. I am proud to say that Everett was one of the first municipalities in the State to announce closures of our schools and municipal buildings. While it is a certainly a testament to both my Administration and the School Department for being able to band together and continue to provide services to our residents despite the closures of many of our buildings, we will not be able to make significant progress fighting back against the spread of the virus unless we see decisive and timely action from the higher levels of government. My staff and I have been on multiple calls every day with local leaders, Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, Senator Warren, medical experts from the Center for Disease Control and Department of Public Health, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Massachusetts Municipal Association, to seek guidance, to petition for greater resources, to offer our own policies, and to urge our leaders to hand down uniform guidelines so as to best contain the spread and allow us to get back to our normal lives as soon as possible.
The need for prompt, accurate, and accessible communication is more important now than ever before. I pledge to continue keeping you, the residents of Everett, as informed as I can.
A shutdown does not mean a slowdown. City Hall will continue to assist all of its residents through our many available resources. If you have any questions, please direct them to 311 who can either provide answers themselves or direct your call to the appropriate person.
While this pandemic poses a major test of our collective fortitude, together, as a City and as a people, we will get through this difficult period of time.
Next, please find the most up-to-date information regarding the things that matter most in our community. Please remember, the City can be reached via Facebook, by calling 311, or emailing any Department.
Carlo DeMaria is Mayor of Everett