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