Update March 11, 2020, 5:00 PM
The Town of Andover and the Andover Public Schools wish to provide a community update on information related to coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Town’s Emergency Management Team continues to assess the potential impacts associated with COVID-19 and is prepared to make decisions that will best serve the community. The Town’s preparation and response efforts are being closely coordinated in conjunction with Andover Public Schools and will include information and guidance from state and federal authorities.
In an effort to keep the Andover community well informed, there will be regular briefings communicated through all of the town’s communication channels including: Town and School websites, Andover Newsflash, the Andover Public Schools Community Email list and social media. The daily briefing will be distributed whether or not there is new information to share.
The town has developed a website related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and can be accessed at www.andoverma.gov/coronavirus.
The risk of COVID-19 to the general public in Massachusetts remains low, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Currently, there is only one presumptive case in Essex County. The Town continues to receive inquiries about whether group activities should be cancelled. The situation is fluid and subject to change several times per day. The Town will make recommendations concerning group activities based on the totality of information available at any point in time and will continue to have a measured response.
The Andover Emergency Management Team will continue to meet regularly to monitor the situation and coordinate and deploy resources as needed. Public facilities will continue to be sanitized daily.
The Andover Health Division wishes to provide residents with recommended actions from the CDC to take to protect themselves and others from the illness:
- Wash hands frequently, with soap and water, for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizing gels and liquids if soap and water are not readily available.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Try to avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
- When sick yourself, stay home to protect others.
- Always cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect areas and objects that are touched frequently, such as desks, phones, door handles, etc.
Public health officials are continuing to learn more information about this latest strain of coronavirus, and for the most up-to-date information, visit the DPH’s website here or the CDC’s website here.