Salem Board Of Health Issues New Coronavirus Warning

SALEM, MA — Less than two weeks after allowing an indoor business mask mandate in the city to expire following Halloween, as scheduled, the Salem Board of Health is again warning residents to be vigilant amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

The Board of Health issued an advisory on Tuesday that cases are again on the rise and made masking and testing recommendations so residents can best protect themselves and their families this holiday season.

The Board of Health is strongly recommending anyone unvaccinated to get vaccinated and all those vaccinated who are eligible for booster shots — six months removed from a Moderna or Pfizer second shot or two months removed from a Johnson & Johnson shot — to get a booster shot as soon as possible.

The Board of Health is encouraging residents to get tested ahead of family gatherings. Salem offers free testing options at Salem High School, St. Peter's Church and the Curative mobile spot at Riley Plaza. Rapid at-home tests can also be found at some pharmacies.

While the Board of Health stopped short of issuing another mandate to mask inside businesses or be tested ahead of large indoor events regardless of vaccination status, it is strongly encouraging the practices.

"By taking these commonsense precautions we hope to slow the spread of the virus in the community so that all residents can enjoy a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season," the Board of Health said.

For more information, or to any questions, contact 978-741-1800 or health@salem.com.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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