Framingham 2022 Inauguration Going Virtual As Coronavirus Rises

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The swearing-in ceremony for mayor-elect Charlie Sisitsky and other candidates who won races in November will largely be held virtually due to rising coronavirus cases, according to Sisitsky's campaign.

The Jan. 1 event at City Hall will instead be broadcast live on Facebook and the government TV channel. In addition to Sisitsky, new Councilors Leora Mallach and Noval Alexander, and new School Committee members Jennifer Moshe and Valerie Ottaviani will take the oath of office.

"After consulting with state and local public health professionals, we concluded that this was the safest alternative for those being sworn in as well as the community,” Sisitsky said in a news release. "Therefore, my office will not have tickets to distribute to constituents. I know that many are disappointed by this. I certainly am as well. However, public health and safety are paramount.”

Returning Councilors, School Committee members, Library Trustees and Edgell Grove Cemetery Trustees will also take oaths.

Coronavirus cases across the state and nation are on the rise with the continued spread of the delta variant and the recent detection of omicron in Massachusetts. Health officials believe omicron is much more contagious than delta.

Related: Active Coronavirus Cases In Framingham Double In Two Weeks