Melrose Advises Curfew, Asks Residents To Wear Masks

MELROSE, MA — The city is asking residents to observe a curfew and wear masks in public ahead of what is expected to be the peak of the coronavirus crisis in Massachusetts. The Board of Health approved the emergency public health advisory Monday night.

The advisory will go into effect Tuesday at 9 p.m. and last through May 4, when officials will reevaluate. Read the full advisory below.

The advisory was approved shortly before Mayor Paul Brodeur said the city has lost a second resident to COVID-19. There are now 59 confirmed cases of the virus in Melrose.

The advisory, similar to the one Boston issued Sunday, will not be enforceable by law, notes that "police will take notice."

"Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Advisory constitutes an imminent threat and creates an immediate threat to public health," the advisory reads.

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The advisory will ask people to stay inside from 9 p.m. - 6 a.m. outside of necessary ventures that can not be carried out before or after the curfew and includes "passive recreation" such as walking, hiking and running. Residents are still being asked to stay home from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. unless they are getting food, seeing a doctor or doing things like taking a walk, hiking or running.

Residents will also be asked to cover their nose and mouth with a non-medical mask, scarf, bandana or other covering. Surgical and N-95 masks should be reserved for health care workers and first responders, per federal guidelines.

Brodeur, in a video posted Monday night, called reports of people gathering in city parks "entirely unacceptable."

The Board of Health voted on the advisory minutes before the City Council meeting started. At least four Councilors Patch spoke to were unaware such an advisory was being considered.

Health Mayoral Advisory by Mike Carraggi on Scribd

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