Some Salem attractions shut down to slow omicron

Some of Salem's marquee attractions have temporarily shut down because of the surge in COVID cases.

Two of Salem's major museums — the Peabody Essex Museum and the House of the Seven Gables — have closed through early to mid-January. And the city has cancelled its annual New Year's Eve celebration for families, which would have been held at the Old City Hall.

Kylie Sullivan, executive director of the nonprofit Salem Main Streets, said restaurants and shops in the city are weighing their own options for safety.

“I'm just seeing a lot of businesses either decide to remain closed between Christmas Eve and New Year's or realize they need to reassess their hours based on staffing,” she explained. Sullivan said her group, along with Destination Salem and the city, will do their best to help promote local restaurants that are relying more heavily on takeout and delivery while COVID cases are high.

Salem is one of many Greater Boston communities trying to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Last week, the city also approved a mask and vaccine mandate for indoor public spaces. Boston and some other cities have taken similar measures.

Sullivan said Salem's businesses have learned a lot since the pandemic first hit and many have created alternative sources of revenue, such as virtual events or socially distanced options.