A number of municipal leaders from the Greater Boston area released a statement last week on their responses to the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, saying the numbers have climbed steadily across the nation due to this more-transmissible variant.
Lynn Mayor Thomas M. McGee, Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, and Revere Mayor Brian M. Arrigo were some of 17 signatories to the statement.
“We are encouraged that Massachusetts has among the nation’s highest vaccination rates and has therefore experienced less-serious impacts of this new variant than other states in our nation,” the statement said.
“Nevertheless, we remain deeply concerned about the Delta variant and its potential public health impacts, especially among residents who are not yet vaccinated, residents who are vulnerable because of their age or health status, and children who are below the allowable age for vaccination.”
The 17 mayors, city and town managers, and town administrators from the municipalities included in the statement said they are committed to providing clear and consistent guidance for residents, grounded in the most up-to-date data and science.
They are working collaboratively to address the current surge in COVID-19 cases by addressing some additional public health measures that are already in place and being explored.
The statement included requiring masks in schools, at least until the end of 2021, to help ensure the safety and well-being of all of the members of the school communities.
Another measure includes ongoing testing in schools to provide an opportunity to learn about outbreaks and help to contain them before they spread widely. These tests are provided at no cost to districts.
The requirement of masks in municipal buildings is also being implemented as the leaders said they are working to establish mask requirements for everyone working and entering non-school municipal buildings.
In addition to the above measures, the statement said the leaders are considering pursuing proof of vaccination or regular testing for municipal workers.
“We will be working with our department heads and labor representatives to consider having all municipal and school staff show proof of vaccination (or a medical or religious exemption), or submit to regular testing, demonstrating our mutual commitment to keeping all staff and visitors as safe as possible and reducing the likelihood of community spread,” the statement said.
Lastly, the city and town leaders are encouraging people to consider masking in public, indoor spaces.
“We will strongly encourage masks in publicly-accessible indoor spaces where individuals gather, including places such as shops, restaurants, hair salons, gyms, halls, and function rooms,” the statement said.
“As we implement these steps, we will continue to work with state and federal officials to adjust our guidance in response to emerging scientific data, encourage and help all residents to become fully vaccinated, and ensure that adequate testing remains available to all who may need it.”
Other signatories include Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine; Beverly Mayor Michael P. Cahill; Boston Mayor Kim Janey; Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan; Brookline Town Manager Melvin A. Kleckner; Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale; Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui; Chelsea City Manager Thomas G. Ambrosino; Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria; Framingham Mayor Dr. Yvonne M. Spicer; Malden Mayor Gary Christenson; Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur; Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller; and Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.
