PEABODY — Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. announced that he will lift the State of Emergency he declared in March 2020, effective June 15. Bettencourt cited dramatically-improved COVID-19 metrics as well as guidance from the State and CDC.
“The latest data from the Health Department shows that we have turned a remarkable corner in our pandemic response,” Bettencourt said. “The rate of new COVID cases in Peabody and the percentage of positive tests are at their lowest rates since last October.”
Bettencourt said more than 61 percent of Peabody residents have received at least one vaccine dose (34,016 people), and 51 percent are fully vaccinated (28,390 people).
Beginning Tuesday, masks will not be required for fully-vaccinated individuals — employees and the members of the public — inside of City Hall. Those who are not fully vaccinated are asked to continue wearing masks and maintain a safe distance from others. Employees and members of the public may continue to wear masks if they choose.
City Hall will be open to the public during regular business hours beginning on Monday, June 21. These hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ; and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All offices will be fully staffed to accommodate the public. City Hall will maintain one entrance, located on the Chestnut Street side of the building.
“Since the pandemic began 14 months ago, our city staff has worked tirelessly to ensure that Peabody residents and businesses continued to receive the highest level of municipal services,” Bettencourt said. “Now, with vaccinations increasing and public health data continuing to improve, and with guidance from the state and CDC, we can return City Hall to regular business hours safely and responsibly.”
For more information on municipal business operations and the city’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.peabody-ma.gov.
