Salem Mayor: First Responder Vaccines Could Start Next Week

Salem MA

04 January, 2021

11:04 AM

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SALEM, MA — While Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said she expects coronavirus cases could rise in the city in upcoming weeks, she sent out a community message of optimism for 2021 that includes vaccinations of emergency public safety workers starting as early as next week. "Several hundred Salem residents have received the vaccine so far," she wrote in a New Year's message to city residents, "and starting January 11th we'll be working with our surrounding communities to vaccinate our first responders." She said that in 2021 "we also look ahead to the resolution of this pandemic," but added "public health officials expect case numbers to continue to climb over the coming weeks" following the holiday season. She said one out of every 16 Salem residents — which is 6.25 percent — was believed to have had the coronavirus over the past 10 months. She urged adherence to coronavirus guidelines and restrictions in the short term. "So much energy and effort has gone into Salem's response to COVID-19 over the last 10 months," she said. "If we can be vigilant for a few more weeks, as more residents are vaccinated, we'll be closer to the new normal we all seek." "As I reflect on the last 10 months, I think our community's greatest accomplishment may very well be the resilience, strength and compassion of our residents themselves," she said. More Patch Coverage: Salem City Hall Reopens By Appointment Only Salem Seeks 'Regional Strategies' On New Coronavirus Restrictions The Stories That Defined Salem In 2020 Salem Schools To Stress Testing Ahead Of Classroom Return