Halloween-Hungry Crowds Trigger Road Closures In Salem: Patch PM

SALEM, MA — It's Monday, Oct. 5. Here's what Patch has been covering on the North Shore and across Massachusetts today.

With one October weekend in the books, it looks like it will be another busy Halloween season in the holiday's unofficial hometown despite coronavirus restrictions and the cancellation of major public events.

Salem police got some help from the State Police Airwing in crowd monitoring this weekend and temporarily closed roads and walkways to allow for safety and social distancing. With visitors expected to flock to the city each weekend throughout the month, the city has launched an online crowd gauge so those thinking of venturing downtown can see what they are in for before leaving home.

Read about the rest of the weekend closures and where police will be targeting as trouble spots that will be monitored closely here.

Also on the North Shore today:

Letter: Support 'Thin Blue Line' Flag At Danvers Town Meeting

The group Citizens to Restore Respect of First Responders in the Town of Danvers sent Patch a Letter to the Editor pressing its case for a vote in favor of allowing the 'thin blue line' flag to be flown on town apparatus at an Oct. 26 special town meeting.

Beverly Backs Off Easing Restaurant, Gathering Restrictions

Beverly is one of a handful of communities that put the breaks on eased restaurant and public gathering restrictions going into effect across the state on Monday after a Board of Health directive.

North Shore Medical Center Main Entrance Closed For 2 Weeks

Visitors and patients headed to Salem Hospital and affiliated medical businesses at the campus will be directed to alternative entrances as a new enclosed walkway is built leading to the main entrance.

Keep An Eye Out For Pair Of Missing Pets In Marblehead

A lost black and white dog and black and white cat were reported this weekend.

Across Massachusetts

Chemical Leak Prompts Evacuation At Boston College

Boston College has returned to normal, after a chemical leak in a science lab Monday, prompted an evacuation, prompting police and fire and helicopters to descend on the area.

Coronavirus Closes Milton School For 2 Weeks

Pierce Middle School was forced to close for at least two weeks following three confirmed coronavirus cases among students and staff. Interim Superintendent James Jette said the school had to cancel classes because the cases forced too many teachers to quarantine.

Falmouth High School Goes Remote After Student Party

Falmouth High School shifted to fully remote learning Monday after a group of students threw a party over the weekend, school officials said. Principal Mary Gans said the party was in Woods Hole, and students who attended didn't wear mask or practice social distancing.