Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Information
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that as of 4:00 p.m. yesterday, there are a total of 646 positive COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts (out of more than 6,004 persons tested). This includes twenty-four (24) residents of Barnstable County which were found to be positive.
As of this morning, there are a total of four (4) Town of Barnstable residents who tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Division will continue to work with the people who were infected to ensure they are appropriately quarantined, and with those who have come into contact with them to take the required precautions.
Residents are reminded to take steps toward social distancing, limit exposure to others, and wash hands frequently.
The Health Division continues to actively provide disease prevention guidance. We continue to suggest basic precautions to all which 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.
Yesterday, the Board of Health issued an emergency order regarding personal care services and retail stores. For more details, please see the information posted at: https://barnstablehealth.com/.
Cape Cod Healthcare has issued updated guidance regarding testing at this link: https://www.capecodhealth.org/medical-services/infectious-disease/coronavirus/covid-19-testing-process/
The Town of Barnstable Public Health Division will continue to monitor the progress of the COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, Barnstable County, and within our Town. 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.
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 week-end and will continue to work through the week 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