Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response

CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283

 April 30, 2020 UPDATE

Current case count: 175

Active: 75

Recovered and out of isolation:  90

COVID-19 Related Deaths: 10

As a community, we continue to mourn our COVID-19 related deaths.  My thoughts, and the thoughts of all of our neighbors, are with families who have experienced such loss.  

All of the deceased patients were elderly with pre-existing medical conditions.  Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and all of our neighbors.

North Andover Employee Spotlight:  Please join us in thanking our Public Health Nurse, Caroline Ibbitson.  Caroline has shown true dedication during this challenging time, delivering pertinent information to patients, the town and employees. She is working daily with positive and exposed residents and employees, and truly treating every community member with dignity and respect.  We are lucky to have her on the team and we applaud her commitment.  

Governor Baker has ordered all non-essential businesses closed and extended the stay at home advisory until May 18.  Town Buildings continue to be closed to the public and are operating remotely.  A working group has been created to address how the buildings will begin to open when the Governor lifts his order.  

Reminders

1. Town Meeting has been rescheduled until June 16.

2. Town Election is rescheduled until June 2nd and voting by mail and by absentee ballot is encouraged. 

3. Social distancing has been shown to be the most proven method of preventing the transmission of COVID-19, but this can also be an issue for individuals who communicate primarily through face to face interactions, such as seniors.  Please take a look at some tips and guidance for Seniors, in regard to social distancing by clicking on this link Seniors, Social Distancing and COVID-19.  

4. With the rise in total cases of COVID-19 across the country, it has become common to see individuals at grocery stores and out in public wearing masks and gloves.  When used correctly, personal protection equipment or PPE can help protect you and those around you from the COVID-19 virus. Please read our tips and other information regarding the Proper use of PPE.

5. The Town has also implemented one way walking recommendations around the town common and high school track to encourage social distancing while exercising.  Please take a look at our Exercising in Public guidance.

6. Covid-19 is easily transmitted from person to person and concerns have arisen over virus transmission in apartment complexes, condominiums and multi-unit buildings.  The North Andover Health Department would like to provide you with tips and suggestions for both staff and residents, to work in unison to keep the property safe.  Please read our Guidance for Apartment Complexes, Condo Associations and other Multi-unit Living Facilities. 

7. Most updated resources for Town businesses can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CaOzgHC0eb-Yal5yOHtggKBDC_Ig7osctuG5xc-pclo/edit

8. Meals are available for pick up or delivery on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only.  Families may take two days worth of meals.  You will be asked to provide a confirmation number, people MUST pre-register for meals so that we have enough. Please pre-order your meals here: http://www.northandoverpublicschools.com/departments/food-service-menus/community-meals-during-school-closure or by calling 978-208-6070 the day before.  Mondays meals should be called in on Friday by 12:00 pm.

Meal pick up is at the High School. You must wear a mask to pick up food. If you pre-order food for pick-up, but become under isolation or quarantine, please call and we will assist you in arranging for a no-contact delivery instead.

The COVID-19 hotline will still be 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:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.

• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.

• Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with 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:

www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

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