Monday July 13, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Information
A total of 384 residents of the Town of Barnstable have tested positive for COVID-19 to date. This includes four new positive COVID-19 cases which were reported in Barnstable during the past two days. The chart below provides the number of positive cases reported per day in the Town of Barnstable during the time period from March 19, 2020 (the date of our first positive case) to July 13, 2020. The green line depicted on this graph is an attempt to show the reader where we are in regards to the “curve” by providing the average number of cases reported per day.
A total of 1,578 residents of Barnstable County have tested positive for COVID-19. 151 residents of Barnstable County died from the virus to date. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported a total of 105,629 Massachusetts residents have tested positive for COVID-19; 8,110 Massachusetts residents died from the virus. In the United States, 3,304,942 persons contracted COVID-19 since February 2020. A total of 135,205 persons in the United States have died from the virus according to data received from the John Hopkins University website this morning.
A total of 951,512 persons were tested in Massachusetts for the virus. 11.2% of those tested 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/
Health Division staff continue to meet and coordinate daily to ensure we are providing the most up-to-date information to business owners and citizens relative to Massachusetts requirements and recommendations. Health inspectors continue to respond to complaints quickly and appropriately and to conduct inspections at new or expanded outside dining areas at food establishments, at outdoor semi-public swimming pools, seasonal restaurants, hotels, recreational camps, tanning facilities, and mobile food units. Rental units, horse stables, and septic systems continue to be inspected routinely as well.
A full list of the types of businesses which may re-open is provided at this link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-when-can-my-business-reopen.
We continue to urge everyone to continue to take basic precautions which include:
- Wear a face covering while out in public where social distancing is not possible per the Governor’s order;
- 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 when ill.
Our Public Health Nurse continues to contact those who become infected to ensure they are appropriately isolated for fourteen days minimum and to contact individuals who have come into contact with them to take the required quarantine precautions.
If you should have any questions, call us at the Town of Barnstable Health Division Office at 508 862 4644.
Respectfully Submitted,
Thomas A. McKean, RS, CHO
Director of Public Health