North Andover Positive Test Rate Falls, Town Reports 2,000th Case

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover's positive coronavirus test rate fell over the last week, according to the statewide town-by-town data released Thursday. But the case count rose and the town was again designated high risk for the virus.

The town reported its 2,000th case Wednesday.

The town's two-week positive test rate was 7 percent, down from 7.6 percent last week. The town had 310 cases over the last two weeks, up from 293.

According to town data, North Andover had 187 active cases as of Thursday, down from a recent high of 260 on Jan. 7. With the latest cases, the town has had 2,045 cases and 73 deaths.

There were 5,398 tests conducted over two weeks, of which 378 were positive. Testing increased significantly relative to the period between Christmas and New Year's Day.

The Massachusetts Department of Health designated 229 cities and towns as high risk for the coronavirus Thursday, up from 219 the week before. But the statewide positive test rate fell to 6.7 percent, down from 8.7 percent on Jan. 1.

The statewide positive test rate is still slightly above the level a month ago, 6.2 percent.

The seven-day average of hospitalized patients was 2,226, down from 2,386 a week prior.

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