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The Town of Barnstable Health Division continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak in Asia and Europe and the progress of the COVID-19 cases in the United States.  We will continue to review and post the most up-to-date information from dependable sources to keep you informed.

Our Town has an emergency response plan for public health emergencies should we need to implement it.  

For the latest on case counts, we recommend visiting these websites with reliable information: Center for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  The number of reported cases globally in real-time are listed on the John Hopkins University site. 

As of this writing, Massachusetts has one confirmed case of COVID-19 and the risk to our residents remains low.  At the same time, the risk for the influenza virus is very high.  It is important to note that residents are much more likely to become sick with a cold or the flu than to be exposed to COVID-19.

The Barnstable Health Division is increasing efforts to provide flu prevention strategies to the public.  Over 8,000 people in this country die each year from influenza.  Many of the symptoms of Influenza and Coronavirus are similar and some of the precautions are the same.  Basic precautions include:

  • Frequent hand-washing, for 20 seconds with soap.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Cough hygiene – into a tissue when possible (throw it away immediately) or into your arm if necessary.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with those who are ill.
  • Stay home yourself from work or school when ill.

 

We also still have flu vaccine available as well.  Appointments can be scheduled with our Public Health Nurse, Margaret Stanton, by calling her at 508-862-4648.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Thomas A. McKean, RS, CHO

Director of Public Health

Town of Barnstable