NA COVID-19

Town of North Andover COVID-19 Update, January 15, 2021: Additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline, State Small Business Grant Application Period Extended to Monday – 1/18 at Midnight

Sarah Brush

Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response

CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283


January 15, 2021 UPDATE


Total case count: 2045

Active: 187

Recovered and out of isolation: 1785

COVID-19 Related Deaths: 73

Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 0


Dear Neighbors,


Additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline is now available: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nzdseF8Qx7-Fd5bwf1GCojClPs26lC47/view?usp=sharing. 

Massachusetts is currently in Phase 1 of the MA COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline.  On January 11, first responders throughout the state started getting vaccinated in continuation of Phase 1.  Our first responders got vaccinated this week and Phase 1, which includes health care workers, will continue through January. Long term care staff and residents are partnering with the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program and will begin being vaccinated in Phase 1. Phase 2 will begin in the middle of February and will include individuals over the age of 75, individuals of all ages with 2+ comorbidities, senior housing, adults over 65 and adults with one comorbidity.  Phase 2 will also include early educators, K-12 teachers, food workers and infrastructure workers such as public works, water and sewer treatment facility workers and transportation workers.  The Town will release a robo call to inform residents about vaccine availability at that time.  The Health Department will be holding local clinics and pre-registration will be required for planning purposes and to avoid large crowds or long wait times.  Learn more about the vaccine timeline here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine.

North Andover continues to be designated as a higher risk/red community.  Please continue to use caution, wear a mask, practice social distancing and avoid gatherings.

COVID-19 testing at the Stop the Spread sites is free, easy and painless.  Please consider getting tested over the next two weeks to help stop the spread of COVID-19 to your family and friends.  A list of the sites can be found 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

State Small Business Grant Application Period Extended to Monday – 1/18 at Midnight:

Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) is administering a $668 million Sector-Specific Relief Program for Massachusetts businesses. The online application portal for this program is open, and will close Monday, January 18th at midnight. Awards are expected to be announced in early February.

Eligible industries for this program include:

  • Restaurants, bars, caterers

  • Indoor recreation and entertainment establishments

  • Gyms and fitness centers

  • Event-support professionals (photographers, videographers, etc.)

  • Personal services

  • Retail

More details on how to apply and eligibility requirements are available at: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses.

As more and more businesses, restaurants and activities remain open at a reduced capacity, 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. Due to the volume of positive cases across the State of Massachusetts, the Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC) was developed to aid Local Boards of Health in the tracing of close contacts in each community. By answering the call from the CTC, you can do your part in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.  Your caller ID will show the call is coming from 
MA COVID Team with area codes (833) or (857).

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