Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response

CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283

November 25, 2020 UPDATE

Total case count: 903

Active: 95

Recovered and out of isolation: 762 

COVID-19 Related Deaths: 46

Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 22

Dear Neighbors,

The Town of North Andover would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.  Please do everything you can to protect your family, friends and loved ones. This virus is mostly spread through household contact and this is the perfect holiday setting for it to infect and spread through multiple family members in one day.  Please protect elderly, high risk and compromised family members.  Keep it small, keep it short and keep it safe.  The Health department would like to share the following tips to keep everyone safe this Thanksgiving:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/19V5EWdICfnL6hTbsSfZe6wlxlTQARH1R/view?usp=sharing 

Information regarding the new quarantine guidelines can be found here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-PgK_cdpLQ510mctiyXJ-ECUgpWkUM26/view?usp=sharing

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued the attached guidance regarding Thanksgiving. https://www.mass.gov/news/thanksgiving-during-covid-19

If you are planning to travel for Thanksgiving, you can find updated information regarding the Governor’s travel order here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

New Hampshire and Maine are now on the restricted state list.  If you travel to these states you will need to quarantine when you return to Massachusetts.  If you return from travel and need a COVID-19 test, more information about the Stop the Spread sites is available here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread

All of Governor Baker’s emergency orders can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency

Technical Assistance for Small Businesses:  Through its partnership with the Lawrence Partnership, Essex County Community Foundation, the City of Lawrence, and the Town of Andover, the Town of North Andover is able to offer FREE opportunities for technical assistance (TA) to small businesses seeking help with how to operate during these challenging times.  There are a few TA service providers for businesses to select, some of which focus on specific types of businesses, like restaurants or salons/personal services businesses.  To learn more, visit: www.mvopenforbusiness.org

For more information on additional resources for small businesses and employers, Click Here.

As more and more businesses, restaurants and activities remain open, we continue to encourage the community to stay diligent in preventing the spread of COVID-19.  Many of the things that you can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses such as the flu, include:

• Wear a face covering or mask whenever in public. 

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

• Avoid large gatherings especially as it gets colder and more events are being held inside.

• 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.

Please join us in stressing this to your family, friends and neighbors.  

If you go and get a COVID-19 test for any reason, especially if you are not feeling well then please isolate until you receive your test results.  It is also important to isolate yourself from your family members if possible.  The majority of the transmission we are seeing is from household contacts.  Please be aware and protect your family.  These steps are of the utmost importance and reduce the transmission of COVID-19. 

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. 

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