Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Information
The Town of Barnstable Public Health Division will continue to monitor 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. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) reported yesterday there are a total of 218 positive cases in Massachusetts (out of 1751 persons were tested). This includes two (2) residents of Barnstable County which were found to be positive. One other County resident is considered “presumptive positive.”
Postponements and cancellations of upcoming events, schools, and other programs were taken as precautionary to protect our residents. It is important to note that, at this time, our residents may become sick with a cold or the seasonal flu. 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.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued updated guidance allowing health care providers to determine and provide patient testing. Please contact your physician to determine if you should be tested. A Massachusetts hotline 2-1-1 is operating 24/7 to provide updated information and answer questions regarding the Coronavirus. Town officials have been working through the weekend to keep residents and town staff safe. In addition, we continue to meet and coordinate regularly with local and regional partners to ensure that the Town is taking any and all appropriate measures to respond to the virus.
If you should have any questions, you may call the Massachusetts hotline 2-1-1or the Town of Barnstable Health Division at 508 862 4644.
Thomas A. McKean, RS, CHO
Director of Public Health