Salem to open walk-up rapid virus test site

Downtown for spooky season

The city of Salem is looking to avoid the scariest part of Halloween — an uptick in coronavirus cases — and a walk-up rapid testing site will be available downtown throughout the spooky season as visitors flood the area.

“Salem has strived to be a leader in responding to this pandemic based on evidence and science, and we see this program as another step in that direction.

This new testing site will help us support our event operators and ensure the safety of event guests, employees and volunteers at venues, their families, and our community at large,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll.

The site will be located in the Peabody Essex Museum’s Connect Building and will be free to use.

Testing will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 30 through Oct. 30, as well as Sunday, Oct. 31.

Pre-registration for rapid testing is strongly encouraged, however people may simply walk up to get a test. Walk-up tests might have a longer line.

People who get a test will receive results via email in one to two hours.

The Salem Board of Health is requiring a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of entering any large indoor event in the Witch City in October.

There are several other free testing sites located throughout the city.

Thousands of visitors flock to Salem each October to dress up for Halloween, attend events and take part in the spooky history of the city.

Last year, Driscoll urged people to stay away from Salem during the Halloween season due to spiking coronavirus cases, but the city was still bustling with tourists even though Haunted Happenings parades, balls, festivals and other large events had been canceled.