Salem, Mass., identifies 'problem areas' in city during first weekend of October
Visitors continue to stream into city as Halloween approaches
Visitors continue to stream into city as Halloween approaches
Visitors continue to stream into city as Halloween approaches
A popular Halloween destination in Massachusetts is working hard to prevent the spread of coronavirus, especially during the month of October.
In a Facebook post, Salem police said they were able to identify a few "problem areas" in the city with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing unit, which provided live video of downtown and the surrounding areas on Saturday.
The Salem Police Department reports that it will be focusing on reducing long lines and moving groups along the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, Derby Street and Pickering Wharf.
In an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the city decided in August to either cancel or scale back many of its official Halloween events. Still, people are continuing to visit the city.
"It's a year-round Halloween city, but we feed off the tourists," said Lex Nicolosi. "Tourists come during the summer, summers are good. But Halloween, people just make a pilgrimage to Salem."
"There's still a good showing to people. I feel like it's very safe," said Mike Abene, the owner of Twilight House. "All the stores are taking the necessary precautions. I feel like it still has the same feeling."
Face masks are required in downtown Salem and the surrounding areas, as well as proper social distancing.
Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll is encouraging people who are looking to visit the city to plan ahead: know what you're going to do and buy advance tickets in order to prevent long lines and crowds from forming.