SALEM — The Board of Health voted unanimously Tuesday night to rescind the city’s indoor-mask and vaccine mandates.
Board of Health Chair Dr. Jeremy Schiller said the decision to rescind the mandate was based on data that presented a decrease in COVID-19 cases and an increase of intensive-care-unit (ICU) beds in hospitals over the past month.
“These metrics are analyzed daily and consequently. Given the current local hospitalization numbers and ICU capacity, it warranted revisiting these measures,” Schiller said. “Given the dramatic decline of COVID hospitalizations and increased ICU capacity, the board felt it was prudent to lift the mask mandate and the vaccine requirement.”
The data presented at the meeting showed an 84-percent decrease in new case rates for every two weeks, a 76-percent decrease of Salem hospital patients that tested positive for COVID-19 and an 18-percent decrease in ICU-bed occupancy. The timeline of the data is from Jan. 15, the date the mandates were implemented, to Feb. 8, the date the mandates were rescinded.
Even though the mask and vaccine mandates are lifted, businesses still have the option to ask that patrons and staff follow company guidelines requiring them to wear masks or show proof of vaccination.
“These powerful tools remain effective at protecting oneself and our community against COVID, and we strongly encourage those not vaccinated or fully vaccinated to do so,” Schiller said. “On behalf of the entire board, I would like to thank all those helping to keep Salem safe.”
Mayor Kimberley Driscoll directed the Board of Health to consider implementing a vaccine and indoor-mask mandate following the implementation of one by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Dec. 20, 2021.
Driscoll said she supported the Board of Health’s decision and said the city will continue to follow science and data in regards to COVID-19.
“I am incredibly grateful for the expertise and thoughtfulness of our Board of Health,” said Driscoll. “They have and will continue to make decisions driven by science and data, aimed at protecting public health in the best interest of our community.
“Salem has been a leader in responding to COVID, from the very outset of this pandemic. From testing options to piloting wastewater- and school-testing programs; from stepping forward to stand up a regional homeless quarantine site, to establishing mask and testing requirements during our busy October season.”
