Andover Public Schools Report Rise In Cases Post-Thanksgiving

ANDOVER, MA — Andover Public Schools have seen an increase in coronavirus cases following the return from Thanksgiving, Director of Nursing Rita Casper said in a letter to the community Tuesday.

The rise was anticipated following a similar increase in the broader community, Casper said.

"As of today, the district has 21 positive cases, and we expect that number to increase over the next couple of weeks, and possibly through the holiday season," Casper said. " Our nursing teams are currently engaged in contact tracing and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Test & Stay and Symptomatic Testing programs. Both Test & Stay and Symptomatic Testing require advance consent, if you have not yet signed up, you can do so here for yourself (staff) or your children (families)."

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Casper asked that families and staff monitor for signs of the virus and have a test performed if anyone isn't feeling well.

Vaccinations are now available for everyone five and older.

"The state’s website offers the best resource for finding a location for vaccination appointments," Casper said.

Casper also shared an update on some recent testing related to out-of-school activities and determined that close contacts outside of the school day are not eligible for Test and Stay.

"We recently tested students who were identified as close contacts in a non-school program," Casper said. "We have consulted with DESE and moving forward, any individual who has been identified as a close contact outside of the school day, including before and after school childcare, is not eligible for the school districts’ Test and Stay program as provided by DESE."

The district has seen breakthrough cases among the vaccinated, so all residents are encouraged to monitor for symptoms and get tested as a precuation.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.