Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett puts on a face mask made by a neighbor on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Visitors and employees will be asked to wear masks inside city of Salem buildings as the number of new Covid cases continue to climb.
Local and state health officials say the increase in Covid cases is being driven by the dominance of the more contagious Delta variant of the virus.
Emily DuPlessis-Enders, city spokeswoman, said starting this week, there will be signs in city buildings about masking. She said mask wearing is voluntary and people who enter without a mask won’t be denied service.
She said masks will be provided.
Municipal Court Judge Jane Aiken has ordered that people attending municipal court will be required to wear masks because of the duration of court proceedings and small courtroom space, said Steve Powers, city manager, in an email to staff.
“The city will continue to take steps to navigate between our responsibilities of providing services, protecting public health, and protecting you and your fellow co-workers,” he said.
This story was updated to clarify that masks are required inside municipal court and requested in other indoor city settings.
-Saphara Harrell
