COVID-19 News
August 20, 2021 UPDATE
Dear Neighbors,
We are continuing to see an uptick in COVID-19 cases in North Andover. We currently have 58 active cases. For perspective, on August 20, 2020 the Town had only three (3) cases.
Effective Monday August 23, 2021, masks will be required inside of municipal buildings in North Andover. Visitors to Town buildings are required to wear a mask, and employees are required to wear a mask when not in their individual offices. We will re-evaluate this decision on a monthly basis.
Face mask requirements and safety protocols for North Andover’s school buildings will be determined by the School Committee at their meeting on Tuesday, August 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the North Andover Senior Center (120R Main Street).
We continue to encourage the community to stay diligent in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The delta variant is more transmissible than the original strain but it does not cause more severe disease. All available vaccines are highly effective against all the strains of COVID-19, including the delta variant.
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:
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
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:
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 of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283
May 18, 2021 UPDATE
Total case count: 3014
Active: 17
Recovered and out of isolation: 2910
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 87
Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 2
Dear Neighbors,
This has been an exciting week of announcements from the Commonwealth as we move toward summer.
The Town is currently going through all of the new orders to make certain that we are complying with all the guidelines.
On May 29, the remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted. All industries will be permitted to open, and capacity will be lifted to 100% for all industries. The gathering restrictions will be lifted. The face covering order will be rescinded and a new face covering advisory will be issued. Non-vaccinated individuals are urged to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The advisory will also recommend that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors, except for in certain situations. Face coverings will still be required for all individuals on public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA/MVRTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), healthcare facilities and providers, congregate care settings and health and rehabilitative day services.
Face coverings will also still be required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers.
On June 15, the State of Emergency will be lifted by the Governor. We are working with the Governor’s office to ensure an orderly transition for emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation. These measures include restrictions on public meetings and the allowance of remote meetings. There is a working group being formed by the state to sort through the different issues that communities will face as the reopening continues. At this time, we anticipate that public meetings will return to normal operations effective May 29.
Effective today, youth sports will no longer require face covering for youth athletes 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Coaches, referees and umpires still need to wear masks. Effective May 29, all youth and amateur sport restrictions will be lifted.
Starting June 1st, all Town offices will resume regular hours. Until then, Town Hall will remain open regular hours Monday through Thursday and closed to the public on Fridays. The Senior Center is open for some drop-in and programming. The Stevens Memorial Library is open to walk-ins Tuesday and Thursdays from 10:30AM-12PM and 1PM-3PM. There are still appointment times available for those who want to browse with reduced capacity and curbside continues to be offered.
Wondering what to expect during an appointment at the mass vaccination site at the DoubleTree Hotel? 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. If there is a need to go out of the MVRTA area, 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
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
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:
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
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Owners of restaurants, food trucks, bars, bakeries and related businesses can now register for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund application portal. Applications will open on Monday at 12pm ET.
➡️ Learn more: sba.gov/restaurants
Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
April 29, 2021 UPDATE
Total case count: 2970
Active: 56
Recovered and out of isolation: 2827
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 87
Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 17
Mask Requirement Change and Phase 4 Update
Earlier this week Governor Baker announced that effective tomorrow, April 30, 2021 Massachusetts will be revising the Mask Order that has been in place since last fall. Masks will no longer be required while outside if you are able to maintain social distancing. It is still recommended to wear a mask if you are outside and unable to maintain social distancing.
The Governor also announced that we will be moving forward to Step 2 of Phase 4 of our reopening plan on May 10. Similar to the implementation of the previous phases, Phase 4 will consist of multiple steps and allow different areas of business to open in each step.
On May 10 amusement parks, theme parks and water parks will be allowed to open up at 50% capacity and road races and other athletic events will be able to be held. Large capacity indoor and outdoor stadiums can increase capacity to 25% and indoor singing such as karaoke is allowed with following proper distance guidelines
The next step in Phase 4 begins on May 29 and allows indoor gatherings up to 200 people and outdoor gatherings up to 250 people. Bars, beer gardens, wineries, and distilleries may open with seated service only and must adhere to the restaurant guidance. Restaurants can seat 10 people per table and must keep the time limit to 90 minutes. Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals will be allowed at 50% of their previous capacity.
By adhering to all sector specific guidelines and continuing all the practices that got us to this point, we will be able to keep moving forward and on August 1, all the restrictions may be lifted.
Vaccination Information
Vaccine appointments are becoming more and more available. The Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Lawrence General Hospital and local pharmacies have appointments available and are offering Moderna vaccine for anyone 18 and over and Pfizer vaccine for anyone 16 and older. Please look at the following links and sign up for a vaccination as soon as you can and at a location that is convenient for you.
The Greater Lawrence Family Health Center has 4 locations in the area (2 in Lawrence, 1 in Methuen and 1 in Haverhill) and appointments are currently available at multiple locations.
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center Vaccine Sign Up
Lawrence General Hospital also has appointments available. To register please click the following link.
Lawrence General Hospital Vaccine Sign Up
You may also call Lawrence General Hospital at (833) 469-0764 to make an appointment over the phone.
Lawrence General also has a vaccine Walk-In location. The South Lawrence East Elementary School (165 Crawford Street) is open to all Massachusetts residents from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday for anyone 16 years old.
Local pharmacies are also an option and have appointments available. More appointments are added on a continual basis. Please check these links for current availability and get vaccinated.
