Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response

CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283

May 11, 2020 UPDATE

Current case count: 247

Active: 122

Recovered and out of isolation:  125

COVID-19 Related Deaths: 19

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.

The Town’s in person Memorial Day parade and ceremony have been canceled, but please join us in honoring and remembering those who served and sacrificed for our country.  We invite you to tune in and watch our Memorial Day program on North Andover GOVCAM at 10AM on Monday, May 25th. 

The Commonwealth is asking residents to answer the call and stop the spread of COVID-19. If you get a call from the MA COVID Team with area codes 833 or 857, answer the call and help our contact tracing effort. Learn more at mass.gov/matracingteam.

The medical community is concerned that many of us have been cancelling our ongoing medical appointments or delaying our routine checkups because of fear of COVID-19.  The North Andover Board of Health highly recommends that you contact your doctor to discuss using telehealth or discuss resuming your routine visits.  Do not delay checkups any longer! 

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. Election protocols, which are designed to keep residents and workers safe, will be released next week.

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. 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.

5. 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. 

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

7. 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