Published March 20, 2020

MELROSE — The coronavirus has certainly seeped into every corner of everyday life. Everywhere.

Wanting to do what’s best for city residents and employees, Mayor Paul Brodeur ordered all public buildings be closed to the public for at least two weeks last weekend. Additionally, using all equipment at city parks and playgrounds is prohibited until further notice.

The mayor went a step farther a few days later and declared a state of emergency in Melrose.

Life with COVID-19 means that information needs to be updated rapidly, nearly by the hour. Over last weekend, Brodeur posted on the city’s website that “Effective immediately, (he) has closed Melrose City Hall and the Melrose Department of Public Works City Yard to the general public for in-person visits for the next two weeks, and this period may be extended as circumstances warrant. More information regarding how you can still conduct City business remotely will be available shortly. 

The School Committee, City Council, and Board of Health will meet as scheduled this week, without in-person public participation. Plans are being developed to facilitate public participation remotely.

All other Boards and Commissions will not meet over the next two week period, at a minimum.

CITY HALL is temporarily closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (B. McCoubrey Photo)

As of now, all City buildings and schools are closed to the public during this period. COVID-19 has presented ongoing and shifting challenges as the City has worked to protect the health of our employees and residents while continuing to provide a high level of customer service as circumstances allow.

Brodeur thanked everyone for their patience and understanding as the city implements remote working and social distancing to protect the health of its valued public servants and residents.

Here are the best ways you can keep Melrose safe:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water

• If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Wipe down doorknobs and other hard surfaces frequently, using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from non-immediate family members and avoiding large groups. 

—————

On Monday, Brodeur declared that all tot lot and playground equipment within the City’s parks will be off limits and not available for use until our public health officials have deemed it safe to do so.  

The City’s public open space remains open for use, including the many walking trails in our community.  

There can be no organized activities within any City park or playground, and residents are reminded once again of the need for appropriate social distancing while maintaining a minimum of 6 feet from other individuals.

Although we recognize the disruption these restrictions may have, these measures are intended to ensure the safety and health of all residents. This restriction means:

• No playing on playground equipment

• No tag or other group games

• No pick up games

• No captain’s practices

• No other similar activities