July 27, 2021 UPDATE

Dear Neighbors,

We are starting to see an uptick in COVID-19 cases in North Andover.  Currently, the Town has 26 active cases.  The delta variant is becoming the dominant strain in Massachusetts and it is extremely transmissible indoors.  We are seeing a sharp increase in transmission among unvaccinated individuals and clusters among family members.  We had not had this many cases at a time since May, and this time last year we only had 2 active cases.  The delta variant is more transmissible than the original strain but it does not cause more severe disease.  All the vaccines available are highly effective against all the strains of COVID-19 including the delta variant.

Today the Youth Center announced that, beginning tomorrow, Wednesday 7/28, they will be requiring kids and staff at Sargent, Drummond, and Girl Got Game, to wear masks when indoors.

We are not issuing any changes to any other guidance at this time but 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:

• Get vaccinated

• If unvaccinated please 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 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 please keep children home if they have symptoms.  

• Get tested if you or a family member have any symptoms.

• Avoid close contact with others until you get test results back

• Participate in Contact Tracing if you are called.

Please join us in stressing this to your family, friends and neighbors.  Please do everything you can to keep you and your family safe.  The Town of North Andover is monitoring the situation very closely and will notify the community immediately if there are any other changes.

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and free.    You can find information on where to get a vaccine here: https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/

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

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 

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 Town’s COVID site is here: https://sites.google.com/northandoverma.gov/town-of-north-andover-covid-19/home

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