Salem Seeks Feedback On City's Coronavirus Response

Salem MA

22 December, 2020

4:33 PM

Description

SALEM, MA — On the day Gov. Charlie Baker said there will be additional restrictions on business capacity and gathering limits beginning the day after Christmas out of concern for another coronavirus spike, Salem launched a survey to gauge how resident feels about the city's response to the pandemic. The survey is available here and will have a Spanish version in the upcoming days. The survey runs through Jan. 15 and should take about eight minutes to complete. "I encourage all Salem residents to take a few minutes to share their input with us through the COVID-19 Response Survey," Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said. "Your feedback is critical in helping to shape and guide our continuing efforts to keep our community safe, healthy, and vibrant." Starting Saturday, capacity limits will be lowered to 25 percent for all businesses. Indoor gathering limits will be lowered to 10 people and outdoor limits will be lowered to 25 people. The restrictions will be in place for at least two weeks . Baker said he understands the new measures will have "negative ramifications" for business and hopes the federal relief package passed this week will help mitigate the impact. He said the state will announce additional business relief programs Wednesday, in addition to $49 million in pandemic relief grants announced Monday. The restrictions are based on "a number of studies" that significantly lowering business capacity helps contain the spread of the virus, Baker said. He added the restrictions are also meant to send "a pretty loud signal" to people to stay home when possible and not gather over the holidays. More Patch Coverage: Baker Lowers MA Business Capacity Limits Amid Coronavirus Surge