Coronavirus Update In Salem, Massachusetts

Press release from Destination Salem:

March 11, 2021

Massachusetts is currently in the the process of reopening, which varies by business type and location. As you plan your visit to Salem, please confirm hours and availability with specific businesses for the most up-to-date information.

Mask Requirements

Masks are required in Salem and throughout the state of Massachusetts at all times while in public, both indoors and outdoors, regardless of physical distancing and/or vaccination status for everyone over the age of three. Noncompliance with the mask ordinance in Salem is subject to fines of $50 for the first offense, $150 for the second, and $300 for the third. Learn more at salem.com/masks.

Travel Restrictions

All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, who do not meet an exemption, are required to:

• Complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival, unless you are visiting from a lower-risk state designated by the Department of Public Health.
• Quarantine for 10 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts. If your COVID-19 test result has not been received prior to arrival, visitors and returning residents must quarantine until they receive a negative test result. View a list of testing locations in each state here.
• Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day.

Travelers from lower-risk States are not required to fill out the form and do not need to quarantine. As of March 5, 2021, visitors from HI, OR, WA, MO, and Puerto Rico are exempt.

Travelers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are also exempt from the order: Individuals who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Janssen vaccine, more than 14 days ago and who do not have symptoms, do not need to obtain a negative test prior to traveling to, or quarantine upon arrival to, Massachusetts. You must have documentation of vaccination(s), including the date(s) of administration, available if asked.

Businesses in Massachusetts may ask visitors from out of state to produce a travel form upon entry, and they reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone not in compliance with the order.

Current Restrictions

The state limits outdoor gatherings to no more than 25 people and indoor spaces are limited to 25% of maximum permitted occupancy or no more than 10 people All participants in indoor and outdoor gatherings must maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from everyone outside of their household and wear a mask.

Beginning March 22, and subject to public health data, gathering limits will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 outdoors for event venues and public settings, and 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors for private settings (including private residences).

The state’s limit on gathering sizes may affect in-person events. Please check the events calendar or download the Salem app for the latest updates on events, or visit hauntedhappenings.org for information on October events in Salem.

Most businesses in Massachusetts are currently permitted to open with capacity limits, mask requirements, and physical distancing protocols in place. Some businesses may require advance reservations during this time. We recommend contacting specific businesses to confirm availability.

Businesses/experiences currently unavailable include dance floors at bars/nightclubs, and indoor bar or restaurant service without ordering food. Road races, street festivals and fairs, and parades are also prohibited and expected to return in a later phase of reopening.

For more information, review our Traveler FAQ.

Please remember, all travelers are reminded to stay home if they are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19.

For more on planning travel to Salem during this time, see our COVID-19 FAQs or review an update from the City of Salem regarding October events.

Thank you for your assistance as we return to business and prepare to welcome visitors back to Salem. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Additional Resources

Reopening Massachusetts

Massachusetts COVID-19 Resources

City of Salem COVID-19 Response and Resources

Emergency Order Regarding Use of Face Coverings in Salem’s Downtown and All City Parks

This press release was produced by Destination Salem. The views expressed here are the author’s own.