Melrose Joined By Neighboring Communities With Mask Mandates

MELROSE, MA — Wakefield and Stoneham will join Melrose in requiring masks — though to varying degrees — in the coming days after health officials in both neighboring communities voted in favor of the mandates Wednesday night.

Wakefield's mandate almost exactly mirrors the one in Melrose, except it could last longer and doesn't have a fine system. Health Director Anthony Chui, who serves in that role for both Melrose and Wakefield, proposed the same order for both communities.

Wakefield's Board of Health opted against fining offenders, instead saying they would be trespassing if they didn't leave.

Wakefield's order, which goes into effect Sunday, will be revisited March 16. Melrose's order, which went into effect this last Sunday, will be revisited Feb. 8.

Read more about Wakefield's mandate here.

Stoneham took a different approach to a mandate, requiring masks only be worn inside pharmacies and grocery stores in an effort to protect the most vulnerable residents while they carry out necessary tasks.

"[Pharmacies and grocery stores] are essential facilities that people need to visit in order to get their medication and their foods," Board of Health member Terry Dean said.

Read more about Stoneham's mandate here.