Melrose Not Committing To Following Boston's Vax Mandate

MELROSE, MA — Melrose is not among the communities planning to follow Boston's lead in requiring proof of vaccines for some indoor spaces — not yet, anyway.

While leaders of several nearby cities and towns committed Monday to implementing a vaccine requirement similar to the one Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced earlier in the day, Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur pointed to the importance of vaccines and said the city is always thinking about how best to keep residents safe.

"We’re all in agreement that increasing vaccination and booster rates is the single most important tool in our toolbox for keeping people safe," Brodeur said in a statement shared with Patch Monday night. "Here in Melrose, we are constantly evaluating our policies and procedures and working closely with the Board of Health, business community, and our local hospital to identify the most effective measures we can deploy to protect our residents."

The Boston Globe reported Wu's office said Melrose was among the cities considering such a policy.

Boston's policy, which will go into effect Jan. 15, would affect businesses such as restaurants, nightclubs, theaters and gyms. Patrons will be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination.

The following is Brodeur's full statement:

"I want to thank Mayor Wu for her leadership, especially her collaborative approach including Greater Boston municipal leaders. As COVID-19 cases again rise across Massachusetts, we recognize the pandemic knows no boundaries and will require regional coordination for us to most effectively protect public health. We’re all in agreement that increasing vaccination and booster rates is the single most important tool in our toolbox for keeping people safe. Here in Melrose, we are constantly evaluating our policies and procedures and working closely with the Board of Health, business community, and our local hospital to identify the most effective measures we can deploy to protect our residents.”

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