Salem Remains A Coronavirus Hotspot

SALEM, MA — Salem had a positive coronavirus test rate of 2.5 percent for the two weeks ending July 8, a level that is above the state average of 2.25 percent and the level where health officials say it's safe to ease up on social distancing measures.

During the two-week period, 845 Salem residents were tested for COVID-19. There were four new confirmed cases for the week ending Wednesday, and eight new confirmed cases for the week ending July 1, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Wednesday was the first time DPH released the positive test rate for the previous two weeks for every town and city in the state. The rate is a key indicator of when it's safe to ease up on social distancing measures.

Related Story: Some Massachusetts Towns Are Still Coronavirus Hot Spots

The New York Times reported last month positive test results need to stay below 5 percent for two weeks or longer and, preferably, be closer to 2 percent, for states to safely ease up social distancing restrictions.

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