Latest Salem Coronavirus Update: City Leads On Facemask Rules

SALEM, MA — The new coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts and across the country is having vast impacts in Salem. Patch has compiled this round-up of the latest, local coronavirus news.

Salem became one of the first municipalities in the state to require people to wear face masks in public places. Salem's announcement last week was followed by similar orders in other Massachusetts towns, including neighboring Beverly and Swampscott.

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In other city news:

• Salem added 11 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus Monday, bringing the city's total to 170.
• Salem, Beverly, and Lynn partnered on an initiative that includes using the Salem High School field house as a new coronavirus quarantine area for homeless people from the North Shore.
• The Salem Veterans’ Council, in collaboration with the North Shore Veterans’ Coalition, is making available free face mask coverings for the community’s veterans starting on April 14th and for as long as supplies last. To arrange to receive a mask, veterans can contact the City’s Director of Veterans’ Services, Kim Emerling, at 978-745-0883 or kemerling@salem.com, or Al Nee from the North Shore Veterans’ Coalition at 978-825-7207 or ayee@masshire-nscareers.org.
• State education officials announced Thursday that MCAS exams have been canceled for the current school year.

More Coronavirus Coverage On Massachusetts Patch:

• Massachusetts Coronavirus Case Map: Updated
• Mapping Massachusetts Coronavirus: Where Are State's ICU Beds?
• How To Get Health Care If You're Uninsured During Coronavirus
• Bells Ring At Otherwise Silent Churches Amid Continued Shutdown
• Newly Found Commuter Cash Helping Needy During Crisis

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).