Melrose On Brink Of High-Risk Status

MELROSE, MA — The city's increasing coronavirus numbers stopped just short of thrusting it into the high-risk category in the state's newest COVID-19 update.

Melrose remains in the yellow even as a third of Massachusetts communities now sit in the red.

The city has 378 confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, 14 more than the previous week's total.

The update shows an average daily incidence rate per 100,000 residents of 7.4 — that number was 5.7 last week and 4.4 two weeks ago. If it surpasses 8, the city will be deemed at high risk for COVID-19 spread for the first time.

The positive test rate increased to 1.27 percent, which is more than double what it was two weeks ago. There have been 40 positive tests in the last two weeks.

Health Director Ruth Clay said at Monday's Board of Health meeting there is no one source of coronavirus cases in the city. The city is seeing more cases pop up inside one household, something that is different from the spring.

Clay said the source "definitely is not schools." The state on Thursday announced one more coronavirus case in the last week among Melrose Public Schools students who have been learning in-person. Superintendent Julie Kukenberger said overall there have been eight students test positive for the virus — three in-person and five remote learners.

Melrose will start sharing its own school coronavirus data.

City officials are asking residents to work with contact tracers when they are reached.

"One of our challenges right now, and speaking as regional, is when there is youth involved parents are every reticent about sharing information at all," Clay said. "We've had more than one parent literally just say, 'I'm not talking to you.'"

Mayor Paul Brodeur implored residents to stay vigilant, especially with Halloween this weekend.

"We can do better by following good public health practices like wearing face coverings, maintaining a social distance of 6 feet, washing hands, and staying home when you have symptoms," he said Thursday night. "These rules also apply to Halloween. And please do not host or attend large gatherings for adults or children."