Andover Reports 175 Active Coronavirus Cases, 3% Positive Rate

ANDOVER, MA — Andover reported 175 active coronavirus cases Friday, down from a peak of 199, Tuesday. The town was designated moderate-risk by the state Thursday.

The town added 181 cases over the last two weeks, for an average daily count per 100,000 residents of 35.8, up from 19.8 last week. The positive test rate rose from 1.9 to 3.1.

To be designated high-risk, towns must report a positive test rate above 5 percent.

The town has had over 700 cases and 67 deaths since the virus arrived in Massachusetts in March.

Town officials told the Select Board Monday that the majority of the recent cases come from social gatherings. There has also been a lot of within-household spread, with 24 households accounting for 76 cases as of Monday. But there was also a cluster at an assisted-living facility, which had 44 active cases, Health Director Tom Carbone said.

>>MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus Stats: High-Risk List Doubles

Across the state, 62 communities were labeled high-risk Thursday, more than double the number last week. Statewide, there were 29.7 average daily cases per 100,000 residents, up from 20.7 last week, and the positive test rate rose above 3 percent for the first time since June.

Town officials urged residents to avoid gathering for Thanksgiving.

"This has been a year unlike any other in our lifetimes, and Thanksgiving will likewise be different this year as we all take steps to reduce the spread of the coronavirus," Carbone said. "It's essential that residents remain cognizant of the risk of spreading COVID-19, even in small groups, and give serious thought to modifying their Thanksgiving celebrations in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy."

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