Nicknamed “Witch City” for its infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem, Massachusetts is a global epicenter for halloween festivities. The city hosts a month-long halloween celebration (Haunted Happenings) beginning with a grand parade all around the city. Then, as the month progresses, vendors, decorations and performers start to spread. Even with a short walk around downtown, themed shops, historic sites, and famous attractions can be found. Typically, Salem would welcome more than half a million tourists during halloween season alone (nearly 30% of all annual tourists).
However, this year COVID-19 and its Delta variant pose health threats to tourists and locals alike. Tourists have been encouraged to stay home and delay their trip if they do not already have plans to visit this season. Even with tight restrictions, and large city events being canceled months ago, many people are still coming in for their halloween fix. With the continuation of tourism, Salem may move from the moderate risk category to high risk category for Covid infections. The city’s mayor, Kim Driscoll, canceled publicly-sponsored events, set up mask-mandated zones downtown, and has taken measures to limit crowd gatherings. Masks are also required in all public spaces, including restaurants, retail locations, museums, attractions and more. They are not required for outdoor tours. The Salem Board of Health voted in September to require a negative COVID-19 test to attend large indoor events, whether public or private, which became effective on the 1st of October. A free, rapid walk-up testing site has been placed at the Peabody Essex Museum which is close to most events.
Despite a unanimous vote from the health board to place the testing mandate, people in Salem are having mixed reactions as tens of thousands arrive for the six week tourist boom. Hosts of halloween events are scrambling to notify all guests of the testing requirement, feeling that the announcement was confirmed too late. Some residents feel that the Salem officials are supporting people who claim the vaccine to be ineffective by declaring that vaccinated individuals are not exempt from the requirements. Still, health board members stand by their choice. They hope that these restrictions may prevent the rise of cases, even with the rapidly spreading Delta variant.
