Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283
January 26, 2021 UPDATE
Total case count: 2217
Active: 143
Recovered and out of isolation: 1996
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 78
Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 1
Dear Neighbors,
Like you, we are very excited about the COVID-19 vaccine. We have nurses hired, volunteers and staff ready, a site chosen, and a sign up website ready to go.
At this time, we have not received sufficient vaccine from the state to move forward with our vaccination site.
We have been notified that we will be receiving a small amount of vaccine each week, and as that vaccine becomes available, we will kick off our sign ups and get information straight to you. We are ready to go as soon as we have the vaccine!
In the meantime, the State is suggesting that residents who are eligible for the vaccine should seek out its mega sites. Those sites will be able to vaccinate thousands of residents each day. The closest site to us will be the Danvers/Middleton site, which is slated to open on February 3.
A map of available sites can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-locations-for-individuals-in-phase-1
You will notice that there are many sites that are listed on the map but the links do not work. That is because those sites have not had vaccine distributed to them.
Vaccines are now available to all residents who fall into phase 1. Starting February 1, individuals 75 plus can sign up for vaccination appointments.
The State has a FAQ page regarding the vaccine, which is available here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions
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:
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First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants
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Second Draw PPP Loans 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.
Free PPP Application Assistance Available:
For businesses seeking assistance in better understanding the PPP program and how to apply for funding, Mill Cities Community Investments (MCCI) is offering numerous free training sessions on the topic. To learn more and register, click here: https://mccinvest.org/take-a-training/
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:
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Wear a face covering or mask whenever in public.
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Physical or social distancing whenever in public and as much as possible.
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Avoid large gatherings especially as it gets colder and more events are being held inside.
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Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
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Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
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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:
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
