Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283
January 19, 2021 UPDATE
Total case count: 2100
Active: 152
Recovered and out of isolation: 1874
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 74
Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 3
Dear Neighbors,
Additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline is now available: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nzdseF8Qx7-Fd5bwf1GCojClPs26lC47/view?usp=sharing.
The State now has a FAQ page regarding the vaccine, which is available here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions
Massachusetts is currently in Phase 1 of the MA COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline. On January 11, first responders throughout the state started getting vaccinated in continuation of Phase 1. Our first responders got vaccinated last week and Phase 1, which includes health care workers, will continue through the end of January. Long term care staff and residents are partnering with the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program and will begin being vaccinated in Phase 1. Phase 2 will begin in the middle of February and will include individuals over the age of 75, individuals of all ages with 2+ comorbidities, senior housing, adults over 65 and adults with one comorbidity. Phase 2 will also include early educators, K-12 teachers, food workers and infrastructure workers such as public works, water and sewer treatment facility workers and transportation workers.
The Health Department will be holding local vaccine clinics and will release information regarding those in the coming weeks. We are asking residents to refrain from calling with questions about phase 2 at this time so we can focus on phase 1 part 1 of the vaccine roll out as well as active covid cases. We will contact all residents with information regarding phase 2 via robo call as it becomes available.
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:
-
First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants
-
Second Draw PPP Loans beginning January 13, 2021 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.
1/20 Webinar: Everything Small Business Need to Know about Second Draw PPP Loans & More
REGISTER NOW!
Join SBA lending representatives from across the New England region as they cover the important Loan Terms and Eligibility Requirements from the newly updated Paycheck Protection Program. The program will take place Wednesday, January 20th from 11am to 12pm.
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:
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

Information for Small Businesses about PPP
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:
-
First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants
-
Second Draw PPP Loans beginning January 13, 2021 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.
1/20 Webinar: Everything Small Business Need to Know about Second Draw PPP Loans & More
REGISTER NOW!
Join SBA lending representatives from across the New England region as they cover the important Loan Terms and Eligibility Requirements from the newly updated Paycheck Protection Program. The program will take place Wednesday, January 20th from 11am to 12pm.

Town of North Andover COVID-19 Update, January 15, 2021: Additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline, State Small Business Grant Application Period Extended to Monday – 1/18 at Midnight
Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283
January 15, 2021 UPDATE
Total case count: 2045
Active: 187
Recovered and out of isolation: 1785
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 73
Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 0
Dear Neighbors,
Additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline is now available: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nzdseF8Qx7-Fd5bwf1GCojClPs26lC47/view?usp=sharing.
Massachusetts is currently in Phase 1 of the MA COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline. On January 11, first responders throughout the state started getting vaccinated in continuation of Phase 1. Our first responders got vaccinated this week and Phase 1, which includes health care workers, will continue through January. Long term care staff and residents are partnering with the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program and will begin being vaccinated in Phase 1. Phase 2 will begin in the middle of February and will include individuals over the age of 75, individuals of all ages with 2+ comorbidities, senior housing, adults over 65 and adults with one comorbidity. Phase 2 will also include early educators, K-12 teachers, food workers and infrastructure workers such as public works, water and sewer treatment facility workers and transportation workers. The Town will release a robo call to inform residents about vaccine availability at that time. The Health Department will be holding local clinics and pre-registration will be required for planning purposes and to avoid large crowds or long wait times. 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
State Small Business Grant Application Period Extended to Monday – 1/18 at Midnight:
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) is administering a $668 million Sector-Specific Relief Program for Massachusetts businesses. The online application portal for this program is open, and will close Monday, January 18th at midnight. Awards are expected to be announced in early February.
Eligible industries for this program include:
-
Restaurants, bars, caterers
-
Indoor recreation and entertainment establishments
-
Gyms and fitness centers
-
Event-support professionals (photographers, videographers, etc.)
-
Personal services
-
Retail
More details on how to apply and eligibility requirements are available at: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses.
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:
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

UPDATED: COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Summary from the North Andover Health Department
North Andover Health Department
Community Development Division
In an effort to effectively distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Charlie Baker has created a timeline to address and prioritize different sectors of Massachusetts to receive it. Below is a summary of the timeline created and who falls into which of the 3 phases.
Phase 1 is currently scheduled from December to February. Phase 1 vaccine recipients will be those in:
-
Clinical and non-clinical health care workers doing direct and COVID-facing care
-
Long term care facilities, rest homes and assisted living facilities
-
Emergency medical services, police and fire departments
-
Congregate care settings
-
Home-based health care workers
-
Health care workers doing non-COVID-facing care
Phase 2 is currently scheduled from February to March. Phase 2 vaccine recipients will be those in:
-
Those with high-risk COVID-19 complications (those with 2 or more comorbidities and/or those age 75 and older), and residents and staff of public/private low income and affordable senior housing
-
Early education and K-12 workers, transit, grocery, utility, food and agriculture, restaurant and café workers
-
Employees across the food, beverage, agriculture, consumer goods, retail and foodservice sectors
-
Meatpackers
-
Sanitation, Public works and Public health workers
-
Vaccine development workers
-
Food pantry workers
-
Transit/Transportation: Uber/Lyft/ridesharing services/pharmacy delivery drivers, workers in passenger ground transportation, non-urgent medical transport, Massport workers other than police
-
Convenient store workers
-
Water and wastewater utility staff
-
Court system workers (judges, prosecutors, defense attorney, clerks), other than court officers who fall under first responders
-
Medical supply chain workers
-
Funeral Directors and funeral workers
-
Adults age 65 and older
-
Individuals with 1 comorbidity
Phase 3 will be for the general public and is currently scheduled to begin in April. Not many details are currently available for Phase 3, but as more details are made available the North Andover Health Department will continue to keep the public updated.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine and similar information, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Health’s website at https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine-in-massachusetts. You can also submit additional questions to COVID-19-Vaccine-Plan-MA@mass.gov for specific information. Please keep in mind that all dates noted may be subject to change depending on guidance from the State of Massachusetts.
For additional questions or concerns please contact kobika@northandoverma.gov or scasey@northandoverma.gov or call the Health Department at 978 688 9540.

Healthcare Workers and First Responders Vaccine Registration Information for COVID-19
Healthcare Workers and First Responders Vaccine Registration Information for COVID-19
As the Governor pushes forward with Massachusetts phased vaccination plan, different establishments are assisting in issuing vaccines for those in the first phase. If you work in Essex County, MA in one of the following professions, you can register for a vaccine through Lawrence General Hospital:
-
Clinical or non-clinical healthcare worker doing direct and COVID-facing care
-
Emergency Medical Services, Police and Fire
If you fall into one of these categories, please click the link below and follow all directions noted on the website. If you have questions regarding eligibility, contact your employer or local health department.
As more updates on the vaccine arise including timeframes or alternate locations to receive them, the North Andover Health Department will continue to release information. For more information on the vaccine, please visit https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine-in-massachusetts.
Healthcare Worker and First Responders Vaccinations at LGH.pdf

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Summary from the North Andover Health Department
North Andover Health Department
Community Development Division
In an effort to effectively distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Charlie Baker has created a timeline to address and prioritize different sectors of Massachusetts to receive it. Below is a summary of the timeline created and who falls into which of the 3 phases.
Phase 1 is currently in progress and scheduled to last until February. Phase 1 vaccine recipients will be those in:
-
Clinical and non-clinical health care workers doing direct and COVID-facing care
-
Long term care facilities, rest homes and assisted living facilities
-
Emergency medical services, police and fire departments
-
Congregate care settings
-
Home-based health care workers
-
Health care workers doing non-COVID-facing care
Phase 2 is currently scheduled from February to April. Phase 2 vaccine recipients will be those in:
-
Those with high-risk COVID-19 complications (those with 2 or more comorbidities and/or those age 75 and older)
-
Early education teachers
-
Transit workers (including all ride share services)
-
Food and Agriculture workers
-
Retail workers
-
Public works and public health workers
-
Vaccine development workers
-
Food delivery workers
-
Non-urgent medical transport
-
Convenient store workers
-
Water and wastewater utility staff
-
Adults age 65 and older
-
Individuals with 1 comorbidity
Phase 3 will be for the general public and is currently scheduled for April to June. Not many details are currently available for Phase 3, but as more details are made available the North Andover Health Department will continue to keep the public updated.

Reminder: State and Town Small Business Grant Applications Due This Friday!
State's Sector-Specific Relief Grant Program: A $668 million program made available by the Commonwealth that is being administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC).
The online application portal for the new program is now open and will close on Friday, January 15. Awards are expected to be announced in early February.
Eligible industries for this program include:
-
Restaurants, bars, caterers
-
Indoor recreation and entertainment establishments
-
Gyms and fitness centers
-
Event-support professionals (photographers, videographers, etc.)
-
Personal services
-
Retail
Click here for more details on how to apply and eligibility requirements.


Town of North Andover COVID-19 Update, January 12, 2021: MA COVID-19 Vaccination timeline (Massachusetts is currently in Phase 1)
Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283
January 12, 2021 UPDATE
Total case count: 1999
Active: 162
Recovered and out of isolation: 1837
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 73
Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 3
Dear Neighbors,
Massachusetts is currently in Phase 1 of the MA COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline. On January 11, first responders throughout the started getting vaccinated in continuation of Phase 1. Our first responders are also getting vaccinated this week and Phase 1 will continue through January. Phase 2 will begin in February and will include individuals over 75 and individuals of all ages with 2+ comorbidities to begin. Adults over 65 and adults with one comorbidity will follow. We will update you as Phase 2 details are determined. The Town will do a robo call to inform residents about vaccine availability at that time. 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://docs.google.com/document/d/1IgjTf0-tUnml-Yr6q69h5M1-84kICGkoAO6byZBl_58/edit
All of Governor Baker’s emergency orders can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency
Small Business Grant Application Periods Now Open – Close this Friday:
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) is administering a $668 million Sector-Specific Relief Program for Massachusetts businesses. The online application portal for this program is now open, and will close this Friday, January 15. Awards are expected to be announced in early February.
Eligible industries for this program include:
-
Restaurants, bars, caterers
-
Indoor recreation and entertainment establishments
-
Gyms and fitness centers
-
Event-support professionals (photographers, videographers, etc.)
-
Personal services
-
Retail
More details on how to apply and eligibility requirements are available at: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses.
Town of North Andover Small Business Relief Grant (Round 2): A new round of grants for small businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic that provides needed financial support to restaurants and personal service businesses in North Andover. The source of funding for this grant program is the Town's Columbia Gas Municipal Discretionary Fund; no taxpayer funds are being used.
Deadline: Applications are currently open and will be accepted until noon this Friday, January 15, 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 February.
To learn more and apply click here: sites.google.com/northandoverma.gov/smallbizrelief
Technical Assistance for Small Businesses:
Through its partnership with the Lawrence Partnership, Essex County Community Foundation, the City of Lawrence, and the Town of Andover, the Town of North Andover is able to offer FREE opportunities for technical assistance (TA) to small businesses seeking help with how to operate during these challenging times. There are a few TA service providers for businesses to select, some of which focus on specific types of businesses, like restaurants or salons/personal services businesses. To learn more, visit: www.mvopenforbusiness.org
For more information on additional resources for small businesses and employers, Click Here.
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:
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 COVID-19 Update, January 7, 2021: Current Restrictions Extended until January 24th
Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283
January 7, 2021 UPDATE
Total case count: 1923
Active: 250
Recovered and out of isolation: 1604
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 69
Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 3
Dear Neighbors,
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://docs.google.com/document/d/1IgjTf0-tUnml-Yr6q69h5M1-84kICGkoAO6byZBl_58/edit
Today, the governor announced the extension of further restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Industry restrictions for capacity limits and reduced gathering limits went into effect on Saturday, December 26th, and will now be extended for at least two more weeks to January 24th.
Under the current restrictions that are being extended today, most industries in Massachusetts remain subject to a 25% capacity limit. Businesses such as restaurants, close contact personal services, office spaces, places of worship, retail businesses, libraries, fitness centers and gyms are subject to this limit. Workers and staff will not count towards the occupancy count for restaurants, places of worship, close contact personal services, and retail businesses.
The current gathering limits in place since December 26 are also being extended until January 24th. Indoor gatherings will remain limited to 10 people. Outdoor gatherings will remain limited to 25 people outside. The gatherings limit applies to private homes, event venues and public spaces.
Massachusetts is currently in Phase 1 of the MA COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline. On January 11, first responders throughout the state will begin getting vaccinated in continuation of Phase 1. Phase 1 should last through January and Phase 2 may begin in February. The MA vaccine distribution plan was updated to include individuals age 75+ in Phase 2, Group 1, along with individuals of all ages with 2+ comorbidities. We will update you as Phase 2 details are determined. Learn more about the vaccine timeline here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine
Many of us are struggling with anxiety and depression due to the isolation of Covid-19, and that can be particularly difficult during the holiday season. You can find resources to help here: https://www.mass.gov/resource/maintaining-emotional-health-well-being-during-the-covid-19-outbreak
All of Governor Baker’s emergency orders can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency
Small Business Grant Application Periods Now Open:
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) is administering a $668 million Sector-Specific Relief Program for Massachusetts businesses. The online application portal for this program is now open, and will close on Friday, January 15. Awards are expected to be announced in early February.
Eligible industries for this program include:
-
Restaurants, bars, caterers
-
Indoor recreation and entertainment establishments
-
Gyms and fitness centers
-
Event-support professionals (photographers, videographers, etc.)
-
Personal services
-
Retail
More details on how to apply and eligibility requirements are available at: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses.
Town of North Andover Small Business Relief Grant (Round 2): A new round of grants for small businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic that provides needed financial support to restaurants and personal service businesses in North Andover. The source of funding for this grant program is the Town's Columbia Gas Municipal Discretionary Fund; no taxpayer funds are being used.
Deadline: Applications are currently open and will be accepted until noon on Friday, January 15, 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 February.
To learn more and apply click here: sites.google.com/northandoverma.gov/smallbizrelief
Technical Assistance for Small Businesses:
The Center for Women & Enterprise is offering a FREE 6-Week Strategic Business Growth Planning Course for businesses in North Andover. More information and a registration link can be found here: https://cwewbc.ecenterdirect.com/events/976500
Through its partnership with the Lawrence Partnership, Essex County Community Foundation, the City of Lawrence, and the Town of Andover, the Town of North Andover is able to offer FREE opportunities for technical assistance (TA) to small businesses seeking help with how to operate during these challenging times. There are a few TA service providers for businesses to select, some of which focus on specific types of businesses, like restaurants or salons/personal services businesses. To learn more, visit: www.mvopenforbusiness.org
For more information on additional resources for small businesses and employers, Click Here.
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:
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 COVID-19 Update, January 5, 2021: MA Vaccine Distribution Timeline, Small Business Grants, Technical Assistance for Small Businesses
Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283
January 5, 2021 UPDATE
Total case count: 1830
Active: 191
Recovered and out of isolation: 1572
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 67
Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 1
Dear Neighbors,
Happy New Year!
If you choose to travel out of state, you will need to quarantine when you return to Massachusetts. If you return from travel and need a COVID-19 test, more information about the Stop the Spread sites is available here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread
For updated information regarding the Governor’s travel order, click here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order
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.
Governor Baker imposed new restrictions, which went into effect December 26. More information on those restrictions can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/temporary-capacity-and-gathering-limits
Massachusetts is currently in Phase 1 of the MA COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline. On January 11, first responders throughout the state will begin getting vaccinated in continuation of Phase 1. Phase 1 should last through January and Phase 2 may begin in February. The MA vaccine distribution plan was updated to include individuals age 75+ in Phase 2, Group 1, along with individuals of all ages with 2+ comorbidities. We will update you as Phase 2 details are determined. Learn more about the vaccine timeline here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine
Many of us are struggling with anxiety and depression due to the isolation of Covid-19, and that can be particularly difficult during the holiday season. You can find resources to help here: https://www.mass.gov/resource/maintaining-emotional-health-well-being-during-the-covid-19-outbreak
For the safety of our employees and residents, non-essential Town employees are working remotely until January 4. The library, Town Hall, and senior center will all be closed to the public during this time. The library and youth center will run limited programming. Employees are available by phone and email to serve residents. For information on an individual department’s hours, please contact that office directly. The COVID-19 hotline is still available at 978-208-6070 and covid19@northandoverma.gov.
The CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued updated quarantine recommendations. That new information can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-quarantine-information
All of Governor Baker’s emergency orders can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency
Small Business Grant Application Periods Now Open:
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) is administering a $668 million Sector-Specific Relief Program for Massachusetts businesses. The online application portal for this program is now open, and will close on Friday, January 15. Awards are expected to be announced in early February.
Eligible industries for this program include:
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Restaurants, bars, caterers
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Indoor recreation and entertainment establishments
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Gyms and fitness centers
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Event-support professionals (photographers, videographers, etc.)
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Personal services
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Retail
More details on how to apply and eligibility requirements are available at: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses.
Town of North Andover Small Business Relief Grant (Round 2): A new round of grants for small businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic that provides needed financial support to restaurants and personal service businesses in North Andover. The source of funding for this grant program is the Town’s Columbia Gas Municipal Discretionary Fund; no taxpayer funds are being used.
Deadline: Applications are currently open and will be accepted until noon on Friday, January 15, 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 February.
To learn more and apply click here: sites.google.com/northandoverma.gov/smallbizrelief
Technical Assistance for Small Businesses:
The Center for Women & Enterprise is offering a FREE 6-Week Strategic Business Growth Planning Course for businesses in North Andover. More information and a registration link can be found here: https://cwewbc.ecenterdirect.com/events/976500
Through its partnership with the Lawrence Partnership, Essex County Community Foundation, the City of Lawrence, and the Town of Andover, the Town of North Andover is able to offer FREE opportunities for technical assistance (TA) to small businesses seeking help with how to operate during these challenging times. There are a few TA service providers for businesses to select, some of which focus on specific types of businesses, like restaurants or salons/personal services businesses. To learn more, visit: www.mvopenforbusiness.org
For more information on additional resources for small businesses and employers, Click Here.
As more and more businesses, restaurants and activities remain open, 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).
We understand that you may need to go to potentially crowded public places and stores so please follow our Tips to Shop Safely during COVID-19, found here.
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