Board of Health

New Public Health Updates!

Indoor Masking Required in Businesses and Public Spaces

Effective December 30, indoor masking is required at all businesses and public spaces until further notice as voted on by the Board of Health. The mandate will be reviewed along with public health data at the next Board of Health meeting on January 13 at 8:30 AM. 

Board of Health Sets COVID Enforcement Policy

On December 23, the Board of Health voted to adopt a metric and enforcement policy in the event that future mask mandates are activated. 
COVID Metrics and Enforcement Policy

Board of Health Sets New COVID Metrics

On December 9, the Board of Health voted to approve a new COVID metric that the Town will use to determine the need for future actions. A mask mandate will be considered if active MBTS COVID cases reach 25 and/or the positivity rate in Essex County reaches 15%. 

January 13, 2022

COVID-19 INFORMATION CENTER

1/13/2022 - Manchester Total COVID Positive Cases to Date (updated each Thursday): 487
(Previous week 1/6/22 - 459)
Active Cases on 1/13/22: 5

MBTS Vaccination Rates as of 1/13/2022: 
Residents Ages 5 and Up: 83% Fully Vaccinated 
Residents Ages 5-11: 71% First Dose
Residents Ages 5-11: 58% Fully Vaccinated
Booster Dose Ages 12+: 65%
Positivity Rate in Essex County (2 Week Period reported on 1/12): 25.78% 

The Town continues to closely monitor evolving developments related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Residents are urged to follow the recommendations regarding good hygiene and personal action issued by the CDC and the MA Department of Public Health. This page will be updated and communicated to the Manchester community as facts change.

MA Testing Locations

Monthly COVID Reports

November 2021 COVID Report

Vaccine Information

The Town of Manchester has joined the Cape Ann Regional Vaccine Collaborative to offer COVID Vaccines to anyone Ages 5+. Dates will be added on a rolling basis. Registration is encouraged but walk ins are welcome. Learn more about the program at capeannclinic.com

Regional Clinic Locations:
Ipswich – Our Lady of Hope Parish, 1 Pineswamp Road. Register here. (Mondays)
Essex - Essex Library, 30 Martin Street. Register here. (Thursdays)
Rockport - Rockport Community Center, 58 Boradway Street. Register here. (Saturdays)
Topsfield - Topsfield Town Hall, 8 West Common Street. Register here. (Thursdays)
Hamilton - Hamilton Wenham Senior Center, 299 Bay Road. (Wednesdays for 12+).

New Clinics Added!
Essex - Pediatric Pfizer clinic - Fridays from 3pm-5pm at the Essex Town Hall Auditorium. Register here.
Hamilton - Pediatric Pfizer clinic - Saturdays from 2pm-5pm at the Hamilton Senior Center, 299 Bay Road, Hamilton. A movie will be shown, therapy dogs will be on hand, lollipop treats given at the end of the wait period. Closed Dec 25th, but open every other Saturday through January 2022. Register here.
Ipswich - Pediatric AND Adult Pfizer clinic on Mondays from 1pm-6pm at Our Lady of Hope Parish Church. Register here.

Booster Shots 

Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 boosters are available to anyone ages 18 and older. Pfizer boosters are available to anyone 12 and up.

You’re eligible for a booster if:
Pfizer & Moderna: It’s been at least 5 months since your second dose
Johnson & Johnson: It’s been at least 2 months since your first dose  

You can mix and match vaccines. You do not need to get the same vaccine brand for your booster as your original COVID-19 vaccination. Use VaxFinder to find a pharmacy or other location to get your booster.

More Booster Information

We are urging Massachusetts residents who have questions about whether a booster or third dose of vaccine is recommended for them to contact their medical provider directly.

Massachusetts Homebound Vaccine Program


The Commonwealth is working with local Boards of Health and developed a statewide program to offer in-home vaccinations for homebound individuals who cannot leave their home to get to a vaccination site for any reason.

Eligible Manchester residents should call 1-833-983-0485 Monday – Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to be screened for an in-home appointment. More Information

Coronavirus Cleaning and Hygiene Tips

Practice everyday preventive actions now. Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses: Practice social distancing, avoid gatherings, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, cover your coughs and sneezes, clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily using a regular household detergent and water.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Tips:

  • Dirty surfaces should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, a list of products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC), is available at Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fighting Productspdf. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 

The information above has been provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control 

Beach Water Testing 

All bathing beaches are tested weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

State bathing beach water quality testing requirements are as follows: 
- Single Count Bacteria Test – must be under 104
- A geomean average (of last 5 tests) – must be under 35

Please contact the Board of Health Office with questions. 

Food Safety - What to do when the power goes out?

  1. Food Safety - When The Power Goes Out

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  1. https---www.mass.gov-info-details-what-should-i-know-about-flu.url