Over the last few weeks, Malden has seen an improvement in the reduced number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and the positivity rate has been significantly decreasing. According to the Department of Public Health’s most recent report the average daily incidence rate is at 7.7 which is a significant drop from the high numbers seen during the winter months, including a high point of 88.1 in January. Malden is now considered a “green” low risk community.
This aligns with the state’s statistics and Governor Charles Baker has announced that the Commonwealth is on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June. The Governor also reported that all remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted, effective May 29th. This means that all industries will be permitted to open with all restrictions lifted and capacity limits will be increased to 100%. In addition, gathering limits and the face covering order will be rescinded.
The Department of Public Health will issue a new face-covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings. The new advisory will also recommend that non-vaccinated individuals continue to wear face masks and social distancing in most settings.
Given the new state guidelines, City Hall will be welcoming back the public beginning Tuesday, June 1st. City Hall business hours will continue to be as follows until further notice:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday - 8:00am to 5:00pm
- Tuesday - 8:00am to 7pm
- Friday - Closed
Visitors to City Hall will be welcomed by one of our Greeters, Terric Foong or Michael Boyd, who will help direct people to the desired department. Since it cannot be determined who is and is not vaccinated, face coverings and social distancing will be required in the building and there will be a supply of masks and hand sanitizer on hand in the lobby. Everyone at City Hall is looking forward to finally welcoming our residents into the new City Hall building!