Salem Coronavirus Case Increase 'Troubling Trend': Health Board

SALEM, MA — The Salem Board of Health is raising the caution flag after the city saw a rise in coronavirus cases in July.

The Board of Health said on Monday that there have been 34 new virus cases reported in the city in the first 26 days of July. The Board of Health said about half of the new cases are "breakthrough" cases affecting those who are fully vaccinated.

"While this number of cases may not seem concerning, the Board of Health views this as a troubling trend as infection rates increase, especially with the rise of the Delta variant comprising 83 percent of new infections in the United States," the Board said in a statement.

While acknowledging the breakthrough cases, the Board urged vaccination, reiterating that vaccines help anyone exposed to the virus "have a better chance of experiencing mild symptoms with much lower risk of severe illness or death" as well as reducing the amount of "viral load" that could infect someone else.

"We are asking for your help to get this rise in cases under control and increase our vaccination rates," the Board said. "Getting vaccinated will help protect our entire community from this pandemic."

Mayor Kim Driscoll, in a series of tweets amplifying the Board of Health message, suggested substantial mandates could be instituted if cases continue to rise and vaccinations stall.

"As a tourist destination, we know we have visitors in Salem from under-vaccinated states and with that in mind, we are using all of the (available) tools to help keep our community safe," she said. "City, health and school officials will be coordinating plans for the upcoming fall season —school and October (Halloween events).

"We want to do everything we can to keep our city safe. This could include additional mitigation measures, such as regular testing protocols, masking and/or vaccination requirements."

The Board said 60 percent of eligible Salem residents are fully vaccinated — which is below the state average. The Board also asked those who have had one shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to follow through and get their second shot.

Salem offers several locations for walk-in vaccinations and mobile vaccinations each week, including a Curative van at the Peabody Essex Museum from 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays.

The Board's statement did not mention restoring any coronavirus-related restrictions, as Provincetown did when they reinstated indoor mask mandates this weekend. Cambridge issued a mask advisory this weekend recommending them when physical distancing is not ensured and when around unvaccinated children.

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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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