Melrose Declares State Of Emergency, Public Health Emergency

MELROSE, MA — Mayor Paul Brodeur has declared a state of emergency and the Board of Health has declared a Public Health Emergency as the city fights the spread of the new coronavirus. Both declarations take effect immediately.

Broduer called the declarations "precautionary measures."

The city said: "These declarations are intended to: (1) highlight the severity of the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic is having in Melrose; (2) allow for the emergency use and deployment of municipal resources to assist impacted residents and businesses; and (3) ensure the City has taken all necessary steps to apply for any available federal and state emergency assistance in the future," the city said in a press release.

City Hall will remain closed to the public.

"Our staff has prepared plans to work remotely," Brodeur said. “We will have to suspend some resident services, but others will continue, and we are currently working on ways for people to participate in public meetings. I hope you will be patient with us as we move forward with this unprecedented transition."

Trash and recycling pickup will continue on its regular schedule.