Chief Michael L. Lyle wishes to share an update on the COVID-19 public health crisis.

“Thank you to residents for your cooperation during these unprecedented times,” Chief Lyle said. “Though the number of cases may be decreasing, the situation surrounding COVID-19 is very much ongoing and we ask that you continue to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing should you need to leave your home for any reason.”

As always, please call 911 for any emergency. 

Police are responding to calls as normal. Responding officers may be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a face mask, eye wear or gloves, as a precaution, as well as practicing social distancing when possible. While in the police station, all members of the department when engaging with the public will wear a face mask, as well as all visitors.

Residents will be required to cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering when out in all public situations where social distancing may be hard to maintain, such as when shopping at essential businesses like grocery stores or pharmacies, per the order issued by Gov. Charlie Baker last week. The cloth face coverings should not be surgical masks or N-95 respirators; these should be left for medical professionals and first responders. Information about how to properly wear and make your own face mask can be found on the CDC’s website here.

Children under the age of 2 years should not wear face coverings or masks. For children 2 years of age and older, a mask or face covering should be used, if possible. Mask use by children 2 years of age and up to the age of five is encouraged but should be at the discretion of the child’s parent or guardian at this time. Parents and guardians should ensure that the mask fits snugly and does not obstruct a child’s ability to breathe.

Exceptions for wearing face masks include situations that may inhibit an individual from wearing a face-mask safely. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Those who cannot breathe safely;
• Those who, due to a behavioral health diagnosis, are unable to do so;
• Those communicating with people who rely upon lip-reading;
• Those who require supplemental oxygen to breathe; and
• Those who are exercising outdoors and are able to keep physical distance from others.

All complaints that are for non-compliant essential businesses should be directed to the Melrose Health Department 781-979-4130 or rclay@cityofmelrose.org for resolution.

Additional Information

The deadline to pay or appeal any violations issued by the Melrose Police Department has been extended to June 1, 2020. This applies to any violations, such as parking fines or city code violations.

Residents may put in a request to have officers drive past their homes in cruisers as part of family celebrations, such as a birthday party, and the department will do their best to accommodate these requests if staff are available; please give 48 hours’ notice. To request a visit, please email kupton@citymelrose.org.