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Melrose To Distribute Masks to All Households

Posted on: May 8, 2020 - 11:00am

The City of Melrose will distribute masks to every household in the city, beginning early next week.

“We had been working behind the scenes to procure enough masks to distribute them to everyone over 60, and then the opportunity arose to buy more,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “I am happy to be able to provide every household in Melrose with the tools they need to stay safe during this pandemic. Our residents’ health continues to be my top priority.”

The masks will be delivered by volunteers in yellow vests; residents should expect to find 4-5 masks in a paper bag, along with information about food, mental health, and other resources and information about how to wear the masks properly and how to make a simple fabric mask from household materials.

The Melrose Board of Health approved an order on April 23 requiring that all persons over the age of 5 must wear a face covering, such as a mask, bandanna, or scarf, whenever 

  • Entering into the inside of any building open to the public; or
  • Using public transportation, taxis, or ride shares; or
  • Engaging in activity within a confined or enclosed facility where other members of the public or other workers are present or have access.

In addition, Governor Charlie Baker has ordered all residents over the age of two to use a face covering or mask in public places where maintaining proper social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are not possible. That order went into effect on May 6.

The masks will be distributed by volunteers from Melrose Helps, a city volunteer initiative coordinated by Mayor Brodeur’s office and other departments. If you would like to volunteer and have not already completed a Melrose Helps Volunteer form, please visit www.melrosehelps.com to sign up. If you want to request help, you can reach Melrose Helps by e-mail at melrosehelps@cityofmelrose.org. City departments who are working on the initiative include Memorial Hall, the Assessor’s  Office, the Park Department, the Clerk of Committees, the Election Department, the Council on Aging, the Office of Planning and Community Development, the City Solicitor’s Office, the Veterans Office, the Recreation Department, Human Resources, and the Melrose Public Library. Many city employees have been repurposed from their usual duties to help with the effort.