Salem Cancels Fourth Of July Celebration

SALEM, MA — With officials predicting people will still need to social distance during the summer months to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Salem canceled its annual Fourth of July celebration Monday.

While the move was expected, it was another reminder that the impact of the coronavirus crisis will linger, even as Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker gave the green light to the first phase in a four-phase reopening of the state. Salem officials said in a statement that while the concert and fireworks will be canceled this year, the city " is working with its community partners to develop other ways in which residents can celebrate the holiday safely."

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As of Monday, 533 Salem residents had tested positive for COVID-19 and there were 26 reported coronavirus deaths. Since the pandemic started, 225 Salem residents who were infected have cleared the isolation period.

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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).