Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 7, 2022 MASK | FROM PAGE 1 dates for just municipal buildings. Mandatory mask-wearing was already in effect since Sept. 1, 2021, in the Malden Public School (which are also municipal buildings) by vote of the Malden School Committee, since schools reopened to full, in-person learning for all students for the 2021-2022 school year. Also going into effect will be a return to the remote-only public meeting policy via the Zoom platform, also due to the COVID-19 spike. For much of this year, nearly every City of Malden meeting has returned to in-person parameters, using established federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local Malden Board of Health protocols. Mask-wearing had already been mandated by the City of Malden for those and other meetings inside municipal buildings. But as of Monday, all Malden City Council, School Committee and other board and commission meetings will go back to the remote-only Zoom format. That format was in place for city meetings from the time the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in spring of 2020 through the entirety of 2020 and into 2021. Following is the exact wording of the Executive Order governing mandatory mask-wearing and municipal meetings. 1. PUBLIC MEETINGS: All community/public meetings including City Council and Boards and Commissions meetings will be conducted remotely through ZOOM, starting Monday, January 10, 2022 and until further notice. This is in line with Governor Baker’s legislation which provides for remote meetings of public bodies up until April 20, 2022. 2. MASKS: a) Any persons over the age of two (2) or older shall be required to cover their nose or mouth with a mask or face covering (i.e. disposable mask, cloth Mayor Gary Christenson and Malden Health Director Chris Webb issued a joint directive on Tuesday mandating the use of facemasks for all people when indoors in a public setting, including at restaurants, supermarkets, fitness centers and event venues. Masks were already required for those inside municipal buildings. (Courtesy Photo) mask, face shield, scarf) when in or at any indoor public location, except where a person is unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition. This requirement applies to all workers or customers of a business or other organization open to the public, including but not limited to all retail establishments, fitness centers, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, event venues, private/social clubs and municipal buildings. This section does not apply to informal gatherings at private residences. b.) All businesses and other establishments open to the public must post a notice at entry requiring those entering to wear a face-covering or mask. Restaurant and indoor bar customers may remove masks when they are actively eating or drinking. c.) All reasonable efforts will be made to secure voluntary compliance with the Order, however violations of the order may result in a fine of up to $200 per violation, in a manner provided for non-criminal disposition of violations of city ordinances or regulation pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 21 D. Mayor recognizes outgoing Cultural Council Chair Mayor Gary Christenson recently thanked former Malden Cultural Council Chair Debbie Wallis for her years of dedication to the group. The Council has flourished under her leadership, and her expertise and willingness to always go above and beyond for the Council will be missed. Shown, from left to right, are Mayor Gary Christenson, Wallis and current Malden Cultural Council Co-Chair Mark Linehan. (Photo Courtesy of the City of Malden) DEMOLITION | FROM PAGE 1 an alternative approach. Furthermore, the City of Malden will delay renovation plans for Trafton Park for a year as an alternative to the MVRCS proposal to demolish the buildings to provide play space during the renovation. Each day, hundreds of students use the park for outdoor recreation and recess activities. “This is an important topic for our residents. Finding an acceptable solution starts with open and honest communication,” said Christenson. “The residents of Malden need to know we are working together. This agreement addresses several key concerns and sets the stage for us to identify a solution that works for everyone.” “This agreement helps keep the status quo in place for businesses while seeking to ultimately ensure the viability and character of Maplewood Square as a neighborhood business district. I want to thank the Malden Historical Commission for being open minded to this alternative approach to achieve the mutually desired goals of preserving both the historic character and uses of the Square,” said Winslow. “I’m pleased we are collectively committed to working together on this important issue,” said MVRCS Board of Trustees Chair George Warren. “I specifically want to thank Mayor Christenson for reaching out to Mystic Valley and Councilor Winslow for their efforts to construct this agreement and committing to continued dialogue, while providing Mystic Valley students the ability to continue to access outdoor recreation space while we explore other alternatives. I look forward to what I know will be a mutual commitment to find a solution that meets everyone’s needs.”
9 Publizr Home