Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response

CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283

September 30, 2020 UPDATE

Dear Neighbors,

As you know, over the past week the Town of North Andover had a significant increase in COVID-19 cases due to the cluster at Merrimack College.  Based on the current data available as well as conversations with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that situation appears to be stable.  Again, based on contact tracing, there is NO evidence of community spread to the Town of North Andover due to the positive cases at Merrimack College. 

As expected, today Governor Baker released an updated COVID-19 Community Level Data Map and due to the number of Merrimack cases, North Andover is now designated as a higher risk (red) community.  

A message from the North Andover Public Schools: “As expected and mentioned in yesterday’s statement regarding the Merrimack College COVID-19 Cluster, North Andover was designated as a higher risk(red) community earlier this evening in the COVID-19 Community Level Data Map. 

After meeting with the Town’s Covid Task Force this evening and reviewing the latest information available, the North Andover Public Schools will continue in the hybrid model. The District and Town will continue to diligently review all available information and make informed decisions based on patterns and multiple data sources.”

As a community, we have been diligent in social distancing, mask wearing and following all of the necessary guidelines to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe.   Our community numbers show that if we continue with these guidelines, we will continue to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our neighborhoods.  I am proud of the work we have done so far, and I know that working together we can continue to make positive strides.

Many of the things you can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses such as the flu, include:

• Wear a cloth mask whenever in public and when you are not able to physically distance yourself from others. 

• Physical or social distancing whenever in public and as much as possible.

• 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.

As more and more businesses, restaurants and activities open up, we continue to encourage the community to stay diligent in preventing the spread of COVID-19.  The best ways to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is to avoid large gatherings, wear facial coverings, social distancing and proper hygiene.  These steps are of the utmost importance and reduce the transmission of COVID-19.  Please join us in stressing this to your family, friends and neighbors.  We understand that you may need to go to potentially crowded public places and stores so please follow our Tips to Shop Safely during COVID-19, found here. 

The next Town of North Andover Flu Clinic at the North Andover Senior Center is scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2020 from 10:00am-2:00pm for ages 19 and above.  This clinic is by appointment only.  Please see the flyer here for more details.  Please make your appointment by clicking here and completing the appointment form.  You will need to bring a copy of this consent form with a copy of your health insurance card attached.  The Family Flu Clinic for all ages is scheduled for Sunday October 25, 2020 and more details will follow.  The Board of Health highly recommends getting your flu shot every year.

Town Hall and the Library are open by appointment.  

To make an appointment at the library contact: https://www.stevensmemlib.org/latest-reopening-news/

To make an appointment at Town Hall please contact the necessary office.

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 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

• Fruit cups (low sugar and regular fruit juice)
• Applesauce, Fruit Cocktail, Peaches, Oranges
• Soups
• Chunky, hearty soups (low sodium), if possible, Healthy Choice, Progresso
• Beef Stew single-serving meals in a container
• Small individual serving size Oatmeal (low sugar)
• Cereal small single servings
• Small boxes Special K, Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, etc.
• Instant serving potatoes
• Rice single servings
• Tuna fish in water (50 cans or packages)
• Tuna Fish in oil  (10 cans or packages)
• Chicken cans, turkey cans, ham
• 100 cans variety of small cans of vegetables (no corn)
• peas, green beans, carrots, string beans (salt and low salt any vegetables)
• Small fun pumpkins or gourds (decorations for 120 bags)
• Paper goods
• Toilet paper
• Small boxes of Kleenex
• Bags of pods: laundry and dish detergent (easier to carry)