Fri. March 27, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Information
As of this morning, a total of nineteen (19) Town of Barnstable residents tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Division public health nurses continue to contact those who were infected to ensure they are appropriately isolated and with those who have come into contact with them to take the required quarantine precautions.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that as of 4:00 p.m. yesterday, sixty-seven (67) residents of Barnstable County tested positive. There were 579 new cases of COVID-19 state-wide, which brings the total to 2,417 in Massachusetts.
23,621 persons have been tested in Massachusetts for COVID-19; 10.2% of them were found to be positive. Cape Cod Healthcare has issued guidance regarding testing at this link: https://www.capecodhealth.org/medical-services/infectious-disease/coronavirus/covid-19-testing-process/
The Board of Health issued an advisory yesterday asking persons traveling from COVID-19 “hot-spot” areas (including from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) into the Town of Barnstable, to voluntarily self-quarantine for fourteen days upon arrival. This request does not apply to employees or contractors who are traveling to provide and carry out COVID-19 essential services; this request does not apply to those who care for elderly persons, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons; and this request does not apply to those who are traveling to/from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and other related services.
All residents are reminded to take steps toward social distancing, including within grocery stores where possible, to limit exposure to others, and to 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.
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 2-1-1 or the Town of Barnstable Health Division at 508 862 4644.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. McKean, RS, CHO
Director of Public Health