Salem Extends City Hall Restrictions Through At Least Jan. 15

SALEM, MA — Salem has extended the public restrictions to City Hall and other municipal buildings through at least Jan. 15 because of high coronavirus rates in the city and across the region.

After closing the buildings to all but essential staff around the holidays, City Hall reopened by appointment only on Monday. Those restrictions were set to expire on Sunday.

City Hall Annex and the business office at the Department of Public Services are also open by appointment only.

Those who need to access municipal buildings are asked to contact the appropriate department here to arrange for an appointment.

Those registered for a Salem Park & Recreation program are urged to contact the department to find out if it is still taking place or it is canceled. The Mayor Jean Levesque Community Life Center remains closed to the public.

The city "strongly suggests" all businesses in the city that can allow employees to work from home to do so to start the new year.

"Increased cases of COVID-19 have typically followed holidays, when people gather and are generally less cautious about public health guidance," the city said in announcing the appointment-only opening as of Jan. 4. "Keeping employees at home and separated from each other for one or two weeks can help mitigate the transmission of the virus among the workforce and the public in general."

More Patch Coverage: Salem Probate Court Closed For Coronavirus Sanitizing

Salem Officials Condemn 'Attack' On U.S. Capitol

North Shore Leaders May 'Restrict Unnecessary Indoor Activities'