North Andover Labeled High Risk In Latest State Update

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover was again designated high risk for the coronavirus by the state Thursday, with its positive test rate rising above 5 percent.

The town added 239 coronavirus cases over the last two weeks and had a positive test rate of 5.06 percent, above the 5 percent threshold to be designated high risk, according to state data.

According to the town, there are 261 active cases, including 13 at Merrimack College.

The 239 new cases bring the town to 1,177 since the virus arrived in Massachusetts in the spring. There were 56.36 average daily cases per 100,000 residents over that same two week period, with 264 positive tests among 5,217 tests taken.

Forty-nine residents have died, the town said.

>>MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus Stats: Rates Rise In 82% Of Towns

North Andover joined 157 other Massachusetts communities on the high-risk list Thursday, up from 97 a week ago. Over 80 percent of cities and towns reported rising positive test rates and nearly half had positive rates above 5 percent.

Statewide, there were 50 average daily cases per 100,000 residents.

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