The Town of Barnstable Public 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 in the future.
We recommend visiting the following websites with reliable information: Center for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. For the latest on case counts, visit the Centers for Diseases Control website: CDC website. Reported cases globally in real-time are also listed on the John Hopkins University site.
As of this writing, Massachusetts has had two confirmed cases 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 Public Health Division is also 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.
- 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 have a supply of seasonal flu vaccine available. Appointments can be scheduled for vaccination by calling our Public Health Nurse, Margaret Stanton R.N, directly at 508-862-4648.
Thomas A. McKean, RS, CHO
Director of Public Health