State Police Airwing Asked To Monitor Salem Halloween Crowds

SALEM, MA —Salem weekend crowds forced the closing of some roads and walkways downtown as the Massachusetts State Police Airwing helped Salem police monitor Halloween crowds amid the coronavirus health crisis.

Salem police said the Airwing provided livestream video surveillance to help them mitigate crowding and a flow of pedestrians and proper social distancing. The data will be used to plan for potential road closures on weekends throughout October as visitors flock to Halloween's unofficial hometown.

"Based on our observations, there are a few problem areas we identified and need the public and our business partners to help us address," Salem police said. "We will be focusing on reducing the outside lines going into establishments and moving groups along the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, Derby Street and Pickering Wharf."

On Saturday, Salem police closed Essex Street to vehicles between Hawthorne Boulevard and New Liberty Street, as well as Barton Square to Washington Street.

The Salem Witch House, Salem Witch Museum and House of the Seven Gables also sold out for the door early on Saturday.

Parking garages filled up as well.

Police indicated the airwing unit could be used to help monitor crowds throughout the month.

Those considering visiting Salem are asked to check crowd level before heading to the city during what may be busy times through a new Downtown Crowd Gauge online tool. Advanced reservations are strongly advised for all attractions and restaurant seating.

The city is trying to balance public health and economic health this Halloween season with strict enforcement of rules regarding public gatherings and overcrowding. The Board of Health on Tuesday decided to delay moving to step two of phase 3 in the state's reopening — keeping the maximum amount of people allowed to a table at restaurants at six and keeping public gathering limits at 25 people both indoors and outdoors.

Visitors are reminded there is a mandatory mask order in downtown areas. All those downtown inside and outside must wear a facemask if they are 2 years old or older, unless they are seated eating and drinking.

"Our numbers show over the last few weeks that mask compliance has been good, but we can't rest on that," Salem police said. "We must all do our part."

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