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Video: Update for Tuesday March 24

Transcript of Video:

A Message from Mayor Paul Brodeur

Good Evening,

Thanks for tuning into another COVID-19 update. Today, Health Director Clay was informed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that three Melrose residents have tested positive for COVID-19. In accordance with procedures set by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, our Health Director Clay has been in contact with each individual, and has initiated a process known as contact tracing.

Contact tracing is a proven method practiced by public health professionals which involves talking to all people who are close contacts of the patient. Our Health Department is conducting that process now and exposed individuals will be contacted and provided with instructions to quarantine.

It is very likely that in the coming days and weeks we will see the number of confirmed cases climb. This is both due to the highly contagious nature of the virus and the increasing availability of testing. This pandemic has caused quite a bit of fear and misinformation is making things worse. I want to share with you some of the steps that your federal, state, and local City government have taken thus far:

I have declared a state of emergency in the City of Melrose and established a special COVID-19 page on our City website where you can the best, most up to date information.

  • All non-essential businesses have been closed in Melrose.  Essential businesses must follow social distancing protocols
  • All schools have been closed.
  • All City sponsored events and events taking place in City buildings have been cancelled.
  • All City tennis and basketball courts have been closed, and you have probably noticed that picnic tables and some benches and seats have been removed from our parks.
  • All City buildings have been closed to the public, while city employees continue to work remotely.
  • The City of Melrose is preparing to halt all non-essential construction in the City of Melrose.
     

These are the steps we’ve taken but I need your help:

  • Stay at home as much as possible. Do not make unnecessary trips out.
  • Don’t go to the store as a family, send one person, practice social distancing, and remember there is no need to hoard.
  • When you go outside to exercise or take a hike, practice social distancing. Stay 6 feet apart from others.
  • Don’t let your kids go on playdates.
  • Don’t let your teens hang out with their friends. Period

Here’s something else I need your help with:

If you see a group of kids out in the park, do me a favor. If you’re comfortable, go up to them, from 6 feet away, and tell them why it’s important to you that they need to break it up. Yes, Melrose police will be on the lookout, but they can’t be everywhere. This is a community effort.

This new normal will continue to take sacrifices and changes from each of us. Thank you for all that you’ve done so far. You’re doing it for yourself, for your family, for your neighbors, for your City, for all of us.

Thank you.