Wednesday August 26, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Information
A total of 444 residents of the Town of Barnstable have tested positive for COVID-19 to date. The epidemiological graph below provides the number of positive cases reported per day in the Town of Barnstable during the time period from March 19, 2020 to August 26, 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.
This graph appears to align with, or perhaps one week behind, the John Hopkins report indicating the United States epidemic passed its second peak around July 24th and since then, the national COVID -19 incidence rate has decreased steadily. In the United States, 5,779,395 persons contracted COVID-19. A total of 178,533 persons in the United States have died from the virus according to data received from the John Hopkins University website this morning. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported a total of 116,770 Massachusetts residents have tested positive for COVID-19; 8,729 Massachusetts residents died from the virus.
A total of 1,604,752 persons were tested in Massachusetts for the virus. Only 7.28% of those tested were found to be positive state-wide. This is the lowest reported percentage of positive tests since March 28th (compare this to 22.7% reported on April 16, 2020). Cape Cod Healthcare has issued testing guidance 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 latest Massachusetts requirements and recommendations. Health inspectors continue to conduct inspections at food establishments, public and semi-public swimming pools, hotels, recreational camps, tanning facilities, mobile food units, rental units, and horse stables. Percolation tests and septic systems continue to be inspected daily.
Complaints continue to be received on a daily basis (i.e. no face coverings worn at a food service establishment, persons not social distancing). Each complaint is investigated and appropriate action is taken.
A full list of the types of businesses which may remain 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