Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response

CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283

February 23, 2021 UPDATE

Total case count: 2466

Active: 36

Recovered and out of isolation: 2344

COVID-19 Related Deaths: 86

Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 2 

Dear Neighbors,

The state is in phase 2 of the vaccine roll out. Currently, residents 65 and older are eligible for the vaccine and those with two comorbidities. For more information on the vaccine please visit: https://www.northandoverma.gov/health/pages/covid-19-vaccine-information

The State has informed municipalities that they will not receive vaccines to run local clinics at this time.  The Town is actively working with residents to help with booking of appointments and transportation needs.  

Residents 65 and over may also call the state at 211 for assistance registering for any state run clinic.  You may call 211 seven days a week.  If no appointments are available when you call, you will be placed on a call back list and will be called back when appointments are available.  Appointments are added on a continuous basis as vaccine becomes available.

Wondering what to expect during an appointment at the mass vaccination site at the Double Tree Inn?  This informational (FAQs) and orientation video was produced in partnership with some North Shore Health Departments, a Middleton Board of Health Member and Essex Tech High School Film Department:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfapEjT4bNE.

Do you or a family member need transportation to a vaccine site?  The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) offers transportation to vaccine sites within the MVRTA service area for persons in Phase 2 Groups 1 and 2.  If there is a need to go out of the MVRTA area (the Danvers site, for example) – those requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  Click here to learn more and to arrange a ride: http://www.mvrta.com/special-services/covid-19-vaccination-transportation-service/

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 

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

COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants Round 2 Re-Opened

http://sites.google.com/northandoverma.gov/smallbizrelief 

The Town of North Andover reopened its second round of COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants, which provides needed financial support to small businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The source of funding for this grant program is the Town's Columbia Gas Municipal Discretionary Fund; no taxpayer funds are being used.

In addition to restaurants and personal services businesses, auto/repair service and retail businesses are now eligible to apply for the grant.  Emphasis will still be placed on funding restaurants and personal services businesses. 

If your business applied for a grant and you have not yet heard back from the Town, you do not need to reapply.  Your application will be reconsidered.  Note that grant funding is limited and the Town may not be able to fund all eligible businesses that apply.  

Deadline:  Applications will be accepted until noon on Friday, February 26, 2021. This deadline may be extended at the discretion of the Town if the grant funds have not been exhausted.  Awards are expected to be announced by early March.

Click here to learn more and to submit an application.

Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for Small Businesses:

A new round of the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is available.  It 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 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

A directory of free technical assistance opportunities for small businesses is available here: mvopenforbusiness.org 

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