Mask Up Melrose: Face Coverings Return To City Buildings Today

MELROSE, MA — A mask mandate for municipal buildings went into effect Monday as Mayor Paul Brodeur responded to the newest increase of COVID-19 cases in his city.

Masks must be worn by staff and visitors inside all municipal buildings, including City Hall, the City Yard, the Council on Aging, Memorial Hall, the Melrose Public Library and the police and fire departments.

"Throughout the pandemic, our priority has been the health and safety of our residents and employees," Brodeur told Patch, which first reported the mask mandate Wednesday. "This new policy is based on the best current information from public health experts."

According to state data released Thursday, there were 43 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the previous two weeks in Melrose and 2,162 since the start of the pandemic. The positive test rate is at 1.86 percent over the past two weeks.

Most recent cases have been of the "breakthrough" variety, local health officials said. A breakthrough case is when someone who has already been vaccinated catches the virus. Health officials said the cases have not proven serious, with those testing positive showing no or mild symptoms.

Three out of every four Melrose residents over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, according to state data.

Masks had been optional since the statewide mandate was dropped, though most places made it clear those who are unvaccinated should wear masks inside.

The Board of Health last week voted to recommend the School Committee require masks for all students and staff indoors.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.