Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response

CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283

January 19, 2021 UPDATE

Total case count: 2100

Active: 152

Recovered and out of isolation: 1874

COVID-19 Related Deaths: 74

Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 3

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. 

The State now has a FAQ page regarding the vaccine, which is available here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions

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 last week and Phase 1, which includes health care workers, will continue through the end of 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 Health Department will be holding local vaccine clinics and will release information regarding those in the coming weeks.  We are asking residents to refrain from calling with questions about phase 2 at this time so we can focus on phase 1 part 1 of the vaccine roll out as well as active covid cases. We will contact all residents with information regarding phase 2 via robo call as it becomes available.

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

Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for Small Businesses:

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is available once again and provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. SBA is currently offering:

• First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants

• Second Draw PPP Loans beginning January 13, 2021 for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan

SBA is currently accepting Paycheck Protection Program PPP loan applications from participating lenders. Lender Match can help connect you with a lender. You can also view all lenders near you on a map.

SBA also offers additional Coronavirus relief.

1/20 Webinar: Everything Small Business Need to Know about Second Draw PPP Loans & More 

REGISTER NOW!

Join SBA lending representatives from across the New England region as they cover the important Loan Terms and Eligibility Requirements from the newly updated Paycheck Protection Program.  The program will take place Wednesday, January 20th from 11am to 12pm. 

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