North Andover Board Of Health Offers Tips On Coronavirus Safety

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — The risk of the new coronavirus to North Andover residents remains low, the town Board of Health said in an announcement Tuesday. As of Feb. 3, there were 11 confirmed cases of the virus in the United States, with one in Massachusetts. Over 17,000 people have been confirmed to be infected since it was discovered in Wuhan, China in December.

"While information is still being collected about this virus, what we do know at this time is that coronaviruses are respiratory viruses that are generally spread through respiratory secretions (droplets from coughs and sneezes) from an infected person to another person," the town announcement reads. "Symptoms can begin to appear 2-14 days after exposure and can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, pneumonia."

There is no vaccine or targeted antiviral treatment for this coronavirus, yet. The update from the town continues:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Stay home when feeling sick."

For up-to-date information, you can call the North Andover Health Department at 978-688-9540 or visit the Centers for Disease Control or Massachusetts Department of Public Health website.

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