Town of North Andover COVID-19 Update, September 30, 2020

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

 
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Joint Statement from the Town Manager, Superintendent & Health Departments

A statement from Superintendent Gilligan, Town Manager Rodrigues, Director of Health Services Cheryl Barczak and Health Director Brian LaGrasse

Over the past week, Merrimack College has seen a substantial increase in the number of COVID-19 cases on campus.  Those cases have all been related to Merrimack College and contact tracing completed by the Town has shown no evidence of community spread due to this cluster.

We have been working directly with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other state agencies to gather information and get guidance as we navigate this event.

“Through contact tracing, which includes interviews completed with every positive case by our public health nurses, we have determined that the Merrimack cases are currently isolated,” said Brian LaGrasse.  “We will continue to monitor all positive cases and public health data to ensure that the cases remain isolated and our community is safe. This is not considered a threat to the North Andover Public Schools.  Through constant and comprehensive testing, this was caught early and Merrimack College has followed all the appropriate protocols and guidance.”

Town officials recognize that the Merrimack cases will cause the Town to be designated as a higher risk or red community.  State Officials have been very clear that the Town should consider more than just this data point when making community decisions regarding schools and other activities. When considering whether school should be open, the following metrics are considered and the following Town officials consulted.  

If there is a significant number of new cases in the municipality, Superintendent Gilligan consults daily with the Board of Health Director, the Public Health Nurse, the Director of Health Services, the Town Manager and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  They consider not only the number of cases in the community, but also the origin of the cases, and whether contact tracing has shown a community spread event or a recognized cluster.  This is not a decision that is taken lightly or that is made in a vacuum, but rather is a collaborative effort to make certain that school officials are acting on the best possible information and in the best interest of our students.  

Based on the information available to the community and daily collaboration with town and state officials, the North Andover Public Schools will continue in the hybrid model.  The schools will continue to diligently review all available information and make informed decisions based on patterns and multiple data sources.   

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FOOD4VETS Food Distribution Program Happening Saturay, October 3, 2020.

The FOOD4VETS veteran food distribution program will be distributing food boxes this Saturday, October 3rd, between 10:00am – 1:00pm. The food boxes contain an approximate 10-14 day supply of food.  Distribution sites are listed below, or can be seen here.  
 
Proof of military service and pre-registration are required. Participants will drive up and check in, pop the trunk open and receive food boxes with minimal contact.


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Town of North Andover COVID-19 Update, September 28, 2020: Merrimack College COVID-19 Cases, Upcoming Flu Clinics, Town Hall & Library Open by Appointment

Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response

CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283

September 28, 2020 UPDATE

Current case count: 505

Active: 95

Recovered and out of isolation:  369

COVID-19 Related Deaths: 41

Merrimack cases (included in case count): 88

Over the past week, Merrimack College has seen a significant increase in COVID-19 positive cases.  The increase started as a cluster in one dormitory, and has shown some spread to other parts of the campus.  Today, the campus made the decision to go remote for one week.  They are testing all students who choose to stay on campus today, and will be testing students as they return as well.  It should be noted that the college’s aggressive testing schedule is credited with catching cases early, and isolating students who are not symptomatic, which mitigated further spread.  Additionally, the increased testing today will likely increase the case count over the next few days.

The Town of North Andover has been doing the contact tracing for all of these cases, and if a resident had any potential exposure they would be contacted by the Board of Health directly.  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. 

The Town anticipates that due to the Merrimack College numbers, that it will be categorized as a red community when the Commonwealth releases its updated maps on Wednesday.  We are working closely with DPH to make certain that the community has a strong understanding of our numbers.  It is important to note that community decisions are not based on the map or one cluster alone, and rather, we look at the past two weeks of community data and we examine all the cases and all the data to make community decisions.  

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 Town of North Andover has scheduled Flu Clinics at the North Andover Senior Center by appointment.  The flu clinics will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 12:00pm-4:00pm and Friday, October 16, 2020 from 10:00am-2:00pm.  These clinics are for ages 19 and above.  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 Board of Health highly recommends getting your flu shot every year.

The Family Flu Clinic for all ages is scheduled for Sunday October 25, 2020 and more details will follow.

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


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September/October Donation Request for our Senior Community from @NA_SeniorCtr

The North Andover Senior Center is in need of the following donations to help support our senior community:
  • 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)
Thank you for your continued support!
Questions?
Please contact Irene or Cahla at 978-688-9560

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