Video Update for May 19
This is Mayor Paul Brodeur
As you know, Governor Baker has announced the reopening plan for Massachusetts, and phase 1 begins today. The guidance is extensive and provides detailed instructions for the sectors that will be allowed to reopen. As you might imagine, there are significant restrictions in place. The state’s Department of Public Health and Division of Labor Standards will be responsible of enforcement of these restrictions along with the Melrose Health Department. The best place to review the general rules as well as particular guidance for each business and activity covered is at the state’s reopening website: mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts.
The Melrose Health Department is prepared to help folks with questions about the rules. And the city is in the process of creating its own reopening plan in light of Governor Baker’s four-phase plan. As always, our number one focus will be on the safety of our residents and our employees, and like the state, our reopening will come in stages. I do want people to keep in mind that while City Hall is not open for business, most services are available at that you can call with any questions during normal business hours.
While change is coming, it is important to remember the following:
This is by no means a return to business as usual. The Statewide “Safer at Home” policy remains in place. The Melrose Board of Health Orders are also still in effect. Everyone should continue to do the following:
Stay home and work from home as much as possible—especially older residents and those at high risk for illness.
Wash your hands and disinfect surfaces.
Cover your face when outside the home.
And when you do venture out to pick up your curbside delivery, follow the rules and be patient
While houses of worship and some businesses will be allowed to open up, that can only happen if they meet the state standards, and nobody is obligated to open.
Moving from one phase to the next will be driven by public health data. By continuing to follow the advice from public health experts about how to slow the spread, we will continue to make progress and be able to proceed to the next step.
Thank you again for your patience and your diligence as we move into phase one. Remember that together we will get through this.