Town of North Andover COVID-19 Update, July 9, 2020
Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283
July 9, 2020 UPDATE
Current case count: 351
Active: 8
Recovered and out of isolation: 307
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 36
Over the past few days, the Town of North Andover has started to see an uptick in active cases. We urge residents to stay diligent, continue to practice social distancing, wear masks, and use caution.
This week we mourn the death of another North Andover resident due to COVID-19, bringing total deaths to 36. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of each of our deceased neighbors.
For more information on COVID-19 and to see case data, please visit http://www.northandoverpublicschools.com/departments/student-services/health-services/coronavirus-information
The Commonwealth is now in Phase 3 Step 1. To see more information about the phased reopening plan, please visit https://northandoverma.news/2020/07/08/phase-3-update-step-1-sports-gyms-fitness-centers-and-other-reopenings/
The COVID-19 hotline is still available at 978-208-6070. Messages left on this line are sent directly to Town staff and will be answered during regular business hours.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has provided the following information
for all residents:
Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19:
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Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
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Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
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Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
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Wear a cloth mask when not able to physically distance yourself from others.
There are currently no vaccines available to protect against this novel coronavirus infection.
We continue to encourage social distancing. Please see our Social Distance Guidance here. The best way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is to avoid large crowds and stay home with your families. This is of the utmost importance. Please join us in stressing this to your neighbors and friends. We do understand that at some point you may need to go to a potentially crowded or busy establishment, such as a grocery store. We encourage you to follow our Tips to Shop Safely during COVID-19, found here.
The best source of guidance and recommendations is the DPH website:
Questions about the town’s response or about the illness, in general, can be sent to covid19@northandoverma.gov
We will continue to monitor this situation and will distribute necessary information and guidance.
Best,
Melissa Rodrigues, Esq.
Town Manager
Don’t be left out – let us know what you think by joining our FlashVote community! The first survey will be released Monday, July 13th!
ZBA Agenda for Tuesday July 21, 2020
Don’t miss the @NAYouthCenter’s Concert on the Common this Sunday, July 12, 2020 at 6pm, featuring White Street Band!
- Please wear masks or face coverings if you are unable to maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet.
- Families members and others sharing the same household may sit together, but are asked to maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from others.
- Spectators must stay a minimum of 25 feet from the stage.
- Bathroom facilities will not be available.
Small Business Strong
Small Business Strong is a partnership between several organizations across the Commonwealth created to provide high-quality services to Massachusetts small businesses to help them bridge through the current economic crisis, with a particular focus on those that are minority- and women-owned, at no cost to small business owners. It provides access to a group of professional volunteers, able to provide guidance and advice on how to best address challenges they may be facing, and further consultation in the areas of Finance and Accounting, Operations, Marketing and Digital, Human Resources and Law. Visit the Small Business Strong website at www.smallbstrong.com
July is National Grilling Month ~ The @NorthAndoverFD reminds you to follow these tips to enjoy your barbecue safely!
Safety First
- Read and follow the owner’s manual.
- Always grill outdoors.
- Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).
- Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
- Grills must be 10-feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer's instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
- Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
- Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
- Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.
- Keep children and pets three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders.
Phase 3 Update – Step 1: Sports, Gyms, Fitness Centers and other Reopenings
North Andover Health Department
Community and Economic Development Division
Phase 3 Update – Step 1: Sports, Gyms, Fitness Centers and other Reopenings
Last week, Governor Baker announced that effective on July 6, 2020 Massachusetts would be entering Phase 3 of our phased reopening plan. Similar to the implementation of Phase 2, Phase 3 will consist of at least two steps and allow different areas of business and recreation to open in each step. Please see the links below to see some examples of what is allowed to open in Phase 3, Step 1:
All reopening businesses must reopen in accordance with any relevant Sector Specific Guidelines and must also complete all self-certifying documents.
One area of Phase 3, Step 1 that many of us were waiting for is the reopening of gyms, fitness centers and organized sports. Gyms and fitness centers are allowed to open with restrictions, and they will likely look different than the last time you saw them. Make sure to follow any signage, guidance or instructions when using your gym or fitness center. Low and moderate risk sports are also allowed to resume according to specific guidance as well. Low-risk sports pertain to ones that can be completed individually or while socially distancing like tennis, swimming, golf and gymnastics. Moderate risk sports may have intermittent contact and include baseball, softball, volleyball, field hockey and no-contact lacrosse. As a reminder, all sporting leagues must submit COVID-19 safety plans and get approval from the North Andover Youth and Recreation Services Director prior to utilizing town fields.
High risk sports are not allowed in Phase 3, Step 1 and include football, soccer, basketball, hockey, competitive cheer and lacrosse. For clarification, please see Figure 1 located below.
All areas of business allowed to reopen at this time are found in Order No. 43 on page 8.
Phase 3 also begins easing the restrictions on gatherings pertaining to Indoor and Outdoor events. All indoor or outdoor events such as, but not limited to a wedding, party, or other event must meet the minimum standards for these events as specified by the state. Requirements include limiting the number of individuals, maintaining social distancing, the use of face coverings and much more.
By adhering to all sector specific guidelines and continuing all the practices that got us to this point, Massachusetts will be able to keep moving forward towards Step 2 in Phase 3 and ultimately towards Phase 4 and a new normal.
Figure 1
The @NorthAndoverFD will begin scheduling 26F [Smoke/CO Alarms] Inspections starting with the week of 7/13 – Online application available!
Home Sale Certificate of Compliance (26F) Online Application: https://northandoverma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1083/record-types/6392
Pet Waste & Water Quality
