MELROSE, MASS. (WHDH) – At least one Melrose High School student has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, prompting school and health officials to launch free testing and begin the process of contact tracing because others may have been infected.
If a child is identified as having come in close contact with the infected individual, families will be notified by health officials within 24 hours, according to Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur.
“The health and safety of our children is the top priority of our city and our school department,” Brodeur said.
More than 500 people turned out to be swabbed at the emergency pop-up testing site Friday to learn if they were to be included in the mini outbreak that was reported.
So many people came to be tested, the 6 p.m. cut off was extended by an hour.
“We do have a small outbreak going on right now that we are trying to contain immediately,” the health director said.
While she did not say whether the outbreak was linked to the student, she did say the city has been able to keep track of the virus’ spread through careful contact tracing.
“The cases have all been linked to each other so we know how it started and where it is going,” she said.
The free testing site will reopen at the Melrose Middle School/High School complex from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. No appointment is required.
Those who want to get tested must remain in their vehicle and have a mask on.
The community testing comes as school officials debate what the fall will look like in regards to remote and in-person learning.
“I just want to experience all these things, just not on a computer because it’s different,” one young student said.
Jeanne Stafford, a local artist, said she plans to avoid crowds until a vaccine for the virus is made available.
Brodeur urged all residents to wear a mask in public, practice social distancing, and maintain good hygiene habits as the city sees an uptick in new cases.
“By taking these precautions, you’ll be protecting yourself, your friends, family, and strangers,” Brodeur said.
The results from tests conducted on Friday will be available within 24 to 48 hours.
Click here for more coronavirus coverage.
(Copyright (c) 2025 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)