Melrose Remains Yellow For 3rd Straight Week

MELROSE, MA — There was no significant change in coronavirus numbers as the city remained yellow for the third straight week in the state's COVID-19 report.

Melrose has seen 342 coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, 10 more cases than last week. The two-week case count is at 19.

The city's two-week positive test rate has decreased from .75 percent to .65 percent.

The average daily incidence rate per 100,000 residents increased slightly from 4.45 to 4.69. A community will go back to green when that numbers goes below 4.

"Please remember that if you want a free test, the state’s Stop The Spread program continues to offer them as close as the Square One Mall in Saugus, one of 18 sites across Massachusetts," Mayor Paul Brodeur said in a Wednesday night message. "You do not need to have symptoms to get a free test."

The increase that sent Melrose from green to yellow two weeks ago could not be attributed to "one specific place or population," Health Director Ruth Clay told Patch.

Melrose Public Schools is still expected to reopen for hybrid learning for students in grades 2-12 this month. Superintendent Julie Kukenberger told Patch that even a potential high-risk designation wouldn't automatically curtail those plans.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi and subscribe to Melrose Patch for free daily newsletters and local news alerts.