North Andover Reports 75 Confirmed Cases, Remains Moderate-Risk

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover was designated moderate-risk in the state's latest town-by-town coronavirus states Thursday, with modest increases to its case counts and test rates.

The town added 123 cases over the last two weeks, or an average daily count of 29 per 100,000 residents, up from 25.5 last week. The positive test rate rose from 1.2 to 1.3 percent.

Towns must report positive test rates over 5 percent to be labeled high-risk.

The town reported 75 active cases Thursday, including 13 at Merrimack College. Forty-six residents have died of the virus.

The town shared tips for celebrating Thanksgiving safely. Residents are encouraged to self-quarantine before traveling, limit indoor gatherings to 10 people and avoid travel to high-risk states, among other measures.

>>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.

North Andover has had 846 cases since the virus arrived in Massachusetts in March, according to the town data.

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