Board of Health

Beach Closures

June 29, 2022 - White Beach has been closed to swimming until further notice. The beach failed the weekly water testing required by the state for bathing beaches. A retest has been taken and results posted by EOD on June 30. 

All other Manchester beaches have passed the testing. 

Hazardous Waste Day Returns!

Thank you to all residents who registered for the first Hazardous Waste Day on June 22. The next collection day will be on Wednesday, September 28.

This year’s collection has a new vendor, fee schedule and location. This new program will be held three times per year, to allow residents more frequent and convenient opportunities for disposal of household hazardous waste. The new collection days will be jointly funded by both the Board of Health and the participating residents.

Residents will register directly online with our vendor, ACV Environmental. That registration will include a by weight charge for acceptable items, with up to 25 pounds or gallons of waste allowed for collection. Residents will need to provide information on the items and quantity of items they have for collection.

On Wednesday, September 28 ACV Environmental will pick up the household hazardous waste directly at the homes of the residents who have completed the online registration. This will eliminate the need for residents to transport their items to the Town for collection.

Register for a pick up here!

Free COVID Home Test Kits

Up to 4 boxes per household
(While supplies last)
Register Here

June 22, 2022

COVID-19 WEEKLY DATA

(Updated on Thursday)
PCR Positive Tests Reported by MA DPH
6/22/22 - Manchester Total COVID Positive Cases to Date: 753
Total Cases from 6/16-6/22: 3
Active Cases on 6/22/22: 2 (Active cases are a snapshot at time of reporting.)

MBTS Vaccination Rates as of 6/22/22: 
Residents Ages 5 and Up: 83% Fully Vaccinated 
Positivity Rate in Essex County (2 Week Period reported on 6/22): 6.1% (Lower)

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

May 2022 COVID Report
April 2022 COVID Report
March 2022 COVID Report
February 2022 COVID Report
January 2022 COVID Report
December 2021 COVID Report
November 2021 COVID Report

Vaccine Information

The Town of Manchester has joined the Greater Cape Ann Community Collaborative (GCACC) to offer COVID Vaccines to anyone Ages 6 months and up. Dates will be added on a rolling basis. Registration is encouraged but walk ins are welcome. Learn more and register at capeannclinic.com

Booster Shots 

Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 boosters are available to anyone ages 18 and older. Pfizer boosters are available to anyone 5 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.

COVID-19 Metrics

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%.

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 

Monkeypox Advisory from DPH

MA DPH Health Advisory 5.20.22

Mosquito Control

Manchester residents who wish to exclude their property from applications performed by the Northeast Mosquito Control District may do so by filing their request directly with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (not the Town or Mosquito Control).  Requests take effect 14 days from the date the request is received by their department.  All exclusion requests expire on December 31 of the calendar year in which they are made. 

To file a property exclusion under 333 CMR Section 13.03, please click here.

For information on the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District, please visit: https://www.nemassmosquito.org/

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

Related Documents


  1. Helpful Information on Tics and Disease Control
  2. Mosquito Control Tips
  3. Potassium Iodide Dispensing Information (PDF)
  4. Septic Loan Program Information
  5. Soil Test Application (PDF)
  6. The Flu and the Best Ways to Keep Your Family Healthy
  7. Environmental Tobacco Regulations, Amended 06_22_2017
  8. Septic Loan Application Form
  9. Keeping of Animals Permit Application
  10. Mass DPH Information - How to Protect Yourself From Ticks
  11. Complaint Form Master
  12. Keeping of Animals Regulations
  1. https---www.mass.gov-info-details-what-should-i-know-about-flu.url