Town of North Andover COVID-19 Update, July 9, 2020
Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283
July 9, 2020 UPDATE
Current case count: 351
Active: 8
Recovered and out of isolation: 307
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 36
Over the past few days, the Town of North Andover has started to see an uptick in active cases. We urge residents to stay diligent, continue to practice social distancing, wear masks, and use caution.
This week we mourn the death of another North Andover resident due to COVID-19, bringing total deaths to 36. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of each of our deceased neighbors.
For more information on COVID-19 and to see case data, please visit http://www.northandoverpublicschools.com/departments/student-services/health-services/coronavirus-information
The Commonwealth is now in Phase 3 Step 1. To see more information about the phased reopening plan, please visit https://northandoverma.news/2020/07/08/phase-3-update-step-1-sports-gyms-fitness-centers-and-other-reopenings/
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 Massachusetts Department of Public Health has provided the following information
for all residents:
Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19:
-
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.
-
Wear a cloth mask when not able to physically distance yourself from others.
There are currently no vaccines available to protect against this novel coronavirus infection.
We continue to encourage social distancing. Please see our Social Distance Guidance here. The best way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is to avoid large crowds and stay home with your families. This is of the utmost importance. Please join us in stressing this to your neighbors and friends. We do understand that at some point you may need to go to a potentially crowded or busy establishment, such as a grocery store. We encourage you to follow our Tips to Shop Safely during COVID-19, found here.
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
Phase 3 Update – Step 1: Sports, Gyms, Fitness Centers and other Reopenings
North Andover Health Department
Community and Economic Development Division
Phase 3 Update – Step 1: Sports, Gyms, Fitness Centers and other Reopenings
Last week, Governor Baker announced that effective on July 6, 2020 Massachusetts would be entering Phase 3 of our phased reopening plan. Similar to the implementation of Phase 2, Phase 3 will consist of at least two steps and allow different areas of business and recreation to open in each step. Please see the links below to see some examples of what is allowed to open in Phase 3, Step 1:
All reopening businesses must reopen in accordance with any relevant Sector Specific Guidelines and must also complete all self-certifying documents.
One area of Phase 3, Step 1 that many of us were waiting for is the reopening of gyms, fitness centers and organized sports. Gyms and fitness centers are allowed to open with restrictions, and they will likely look different than the last time you saw them. Make sure to follow any signage, guidance or instructions when using your gym or fitness center. Low and moderate risk sports are also allowed to resume according to specific guidance as well. Low-risk sports pertain to ones that can be completed individually or while socially distancing like tennis, swimming, golf and gymnastics. Moderate risk sports may have intermittent contact and include baseball, softball, volleyball, field hockey and no-contact lacrosse. As a reminder, all sporting leagues must submit COVID-19 safety plans and get approval from the North Andover Youth and Recreation Services Director prior to utilizing town fields.
High risk sports are not allowed in Phase 3, Step 1 and include football, soccer, basketball, hockey, competitive cheer and lacrosse. For clarification, please see Figure 1 located below.
All areas of business allowed to reopen at this time are found in Order No. 43 on page 8.
Phase 3 also begins easing the restrictions on gatherings pertaining to Indoor and Outdoor events. All indoor or outdoor events such as, but not limited to a wedding, party, or other event must meet the minimum standards for these events as specified by the state. Requirements include limiting the number of individuals, maintaining social distancing, the use of face coverings and much more.
By adhering to all sector specific guidelines and continuing all the practices that got us to this point, Massachusetts will be able to keep moving forward towards Step 2 in Phase 3 and ultimately towards Phase 4 and a new normal.
Figure 1
Health and Safety Reminder for those traveling this holiday weekend
Statewide Small Business Recovery Survey
At the end of the survey, you will have a chance to provide your email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Visa Gift Cards. So make sure to complete the whole survey!
Your answers will only be analyzed together with other responses, and will never be used to identify you personally.
This survey will be open for a short period of time. Please respond as soon as possible. If you have questions or comments about this survey, please contact Rich Parr at The MassINC Polling group at rparr@massincpolling.com or (617) 224-1628.
To begin the survey, please click the following link: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5668957/MASmallBiz?fbclid=IwAR2xPRSk9g1Ml3T2Qkm_yMbqvTJBmTEQNSOpw-_mssQK5r40ZulUdjsl4UI
Thank you very much for participating in this important initiative.
TODAY AT 5PM: So you got a PPP loan. Now what?
Phase 2, Step 2: Keep up the Great Work!
North Andover Health Department
Community and Economic Development Division
Keep up the Great Work!
As of Monday, June 22, 2020, Massachusetts has moved into Step 2 of Phase 2 of Governor Baker’s reopening plan and more things are opening up including retail stores, indoor dining and offices. Massachusetts is trending in the right direction and according to the most recent graphic from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Dashboard, since April 15th we have seen the following trends in data;
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7 day weighted average of positive molecular test rates is at 1.9%, a decrease of 93%
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3 day average of number of COVID-19 patients in hospital is 937 persons, a decrease of 74%
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Only 2 hospitals are using surge capacity, which is down 90%
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3 day average of COVID-19 deaths is down to 26, a decrease of 83%
The overall trends in data are down thanks to all of our efforts to prevent and mitigate the spread of the virus.
Despite all our progress, however, we are not completely out of the pandemic just yet. Everyone MUST continue doing what got us to this point! Please continue to wear masks or face coverings in public and continue social distancing. We must keep up the great work to avoid seeing a spike or resurgence of the COVID-19 virus. We must be diligent and always use a face covering when you are entering somewhere like a pharmacy, grocery/retail store or restaurant where social distancing can not be maintained.
The North Andover Health Department would like to thank all of our residents and business owners for their efforts during this unprecedented time. By continuing the practices we have used to get to this point, we will be doing our part as a community to continue moving forward towards future phases.
The application deadline for the North Andover Rental Assistance Program has been extended to September 30th, 2020.
Town of North Andover COVID-19 Update, June 22, 2020: Playgrounds and Some Basketball Courts Re-Opened; Children’s Shows and Fireworks Canceled; Phase 2, Step 2 of MA Re-Opening Plan Starts Today
Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283
June 22, 2020 UPDATE
Current case count: 340
Active: 6
Recovered and out of isolation: 299
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 35
While our number of active cases has decreased dramatically, COVID19 is still active in our community and in the state. Please continue to be diligent, practice social distancing and wear a mask when you can not be socially distant.
The Town’s Playgrounds and some basketball courts are re-opened. Please pay attention to signage and follow guidelines.
We regret to announce that our children’s shows and the Town’s Fourth of July Fireworks are both canceled for Summer 2020. At this time, Governor Baker has ruled that gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited throughout the Commonwealth. This includes community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events, concerts, conferences, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, weddings, funerals, and any similar event or activity. Additionally outdoor concerts are prohibited in phase 2. It should be noted that Town Meeting was specifically exempted by the state from the restrictions due to the statutory requirement to hold Town Meeting. We share your disappointment and look forward to our return to programming. We have not yet made a decision regarding our Summer Concert Series, and hope to be able to introduce more programming as the Commonwealth announces new phases of reopening.
Governor Baker announced that Phase 2 Step 2 starts on June 22. The following were eligible to open in Step 2 of Phase 2 today: Indoor table service at restaurants, close contact personal services such as skin care, hair removal, body art and nail care with restrictions, retail dressing rooms by appointment, personal training and offices increased to 50 percent capacity.
The Stevens Memorial Library’s no-contact curbside pickup is available by appointment while the building is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All materials must be reserved ahead of pickup.
You will be called when your items are ready.
For more information on library pick up please visit: https://www.stevensmemlib.org/2020/06/10/monday-june-15-curbside-service-begins-at-stevens-memorial-library/
The library has also started accepting book returns. The book drop units will remain closed, but book carts will be available outside the lower lobby entrance. Please place your returning items on those book carts. We will be limiting returns to Monday – Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm.
Stevens Pond opened on June 22 with restrictions. The dock, rafts, and picnic tables will not be available. All transactions for passes will be completed online. Swimming lessons will be unable to run at this time. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us to open Steven’s Pond for the community to enjoy
Updates
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Social distancing has been shown to be the most proven method of preventing the transmission of COVID-19, but this can also be an issue for individuals who communicate primarily through face to face interactions, such as seniors. Please take a look at some tips and guidance for Seniors, in regard to social distancing by clicking on this link Seniors, Social Distancing and COVID-19.
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The Town has also implemented one way walking recommendations around the town common and high school track to encourage social distancing while exercising. Please take a look at our Exercising in Public guidance.
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Covid-19 is easily transmitted from person to person and concerns have arisen over virus transmission in apartment complexes, condominiums and multi-unit buildings. The North Andover Health Department would like to provide you with tips and suggestions for both staff and residents, to work in unison to keep the property safe. Please read our Guidance for Apartment Complexes, Condo Associations and other Multi-unit Living Facilities.
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Most updated resources for Town businesses can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CaOzgHC0eb-Yal5yOHtggKBDC_Ig7osctuG5xc-pclo/edit
The COVID-19 hotline will still be 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 Massachusetts Department of Public Health has provided the following information
for all residents:
Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19:
-
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.
-
Wear a cloth mask when not able to physically distance yourself from others.
There are currently no vaccines available to protect against this novel coronavirus infection.
We continue to encourage social distancing. Please see our Social Distance Guidance here. The best way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is to avoid large crowds and stay home with your families. This is of the utmost importance. Please join us in stressing this to your neighbors and friends. We do understand that at some point you may need to go to a potentially crowded or busy establishment, such as a grocery store. We encourage you to follow our Tips to Shop Safely during COVID-19, found here.
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
Town Now Offering Free PPE Starter Kits for North Andover Small Businesses – Sign Up to Pick up Next Week!
