Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response

CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283

December 11, 2020 UPDATE

Total case count: 1249

Active: 261

Recovered and out of isolation: 939 

COVID-19 Related Deaths: 49

Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 13 

Dear Neighbors,

Last night, the Town of North Andover was designated as a red/higher risk community based on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Community Covid Data Map.  The Town of North Andover had 239 active cases in the two week period from 11/22 to 12/5.  The average daily cases per 100,000 of population is 56.4, and the town’s positivity rate is 5.06%.  More information about the metric is available here: https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-covid-19-command-center-department-of-elementary-secondary 

On Sunday, the Commonwealth is starting new restrictions as the state moves back into Phase 3 Part 1.  Some of the new guidelines include a reduction to 40% capacity limit for offices, gyms, retail locations and places of worship and masks must be worn at all times in these locations.  Restaurants must reduce the table size to a maximum of six people and have a 90 minute time limit per table.  More information about those restrictions are available here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/15bqjufUVECGluzr8I4OWMvnxU4rXKiFI/view?usp=sharing

The CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued updated quarantine recommendations, which go into effect today.  That new information can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-quarantine-information

The Police Department through its Cram-a-Cruiser drive event and Town Hall employees through their From Our Hearts to Your Homes drive are collecting food and other personal items to distribute to residents in need.  

ALL residents are eligible and can pick-up food and/or supplies at the Senior Center.  Hours of operation and contact information are below:

North Andover Senior Center

120R Main Street (behind Town Hall)

Mondays & Wednesday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Special Pick-Up – Saturday, December 19, 2020 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

(978) 688-9560

New Hampshire, Vermont 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

You can find updated information regarding the Governor’s travel order here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

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 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