Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response

CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283

June 22, 2020 UPDATE

Current case count: 340

Active: 6

Recovered and out of isolation:  299

COVID-19 Related Deaths: 35

While our number of active cases has decreased dramatically, COVID19 is still active in our community and in the state.  Please continue to be diligent, practice social distancing and wear a mask when you can not be socially distant. 

The Town’s Playgrounds and some basketball courts are re-opened.  Please pay attention to signage and follow guidelines.

We regret to announce that our children’s shows and the Town’s Fourth of July Fireworks are both canceled for Summer 2020.  At this time, Governor Baker has ruled that gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited throughout the Commonwealth.  This includes community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events, concerts, conferences, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, weddings, funerals, and any similar event or activity. Additionally outdoor concerts are prohibited in phase 2.  It should be noted that Town Meeting was specifically exempted by the state from the restrictions due to the statutory requirement to hold Town Meeting.  We share your disappointment and look forward to our return to programming.  We have not yet made a decision regarding our Summer Concert Series, and hope to be able to introduce more programming as the Commonwealth announces new phases of reopening.  

Governor Baker announced that Phase 2 Step 2 starts on June 22. The following were eligible to open in Step 2 of Phase 2 today: Indoor table service at restaurants, close contact personal services such as skin care, hair removal, body art and nail care with restrictions, retail dressing rooms by appointment, personal training and offices increased to 50 percent capacity.

The Stevens Memorial Library’s no-contact curbside pickup is available by appointment while the building is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All materials must be reserved ahead of pickup.

You will be called when your items are ready.

For more information on library pick up please visit: https://www.stevensmemlib.org/2020/06/10/monday-june-15-curbside-service-begins-at-stevens-memorial-library/

The library has also started accepting book returns. The book drop units will remain closed, but book carts will be available outside the lower lobby entrance. Please place your returning items on those book carts. We will be limiting returns to Monday – Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Stevens Pond opened on June 22 with restrictions.  The dock, rafts, and picnic tables will not be available.  All transactions for passes will be completed online.  Swimming lessons will be unable to run at this time.  Thank you for your cooperation in helping us to open Steven’s Pond for the community to enjoy

Updates

1. 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.  

2. 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.

3. 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. 

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

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.

• 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:

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

COVID6.22.pdf