Wednesday September 9, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Information
A total of 475 residents of the Town of Barnstable have tested positive for COVID-19 cumulatively to date. Thirty (30) new positive cases were reported during the past fourteen days in Barnstable, which calculates to an average of 2.1 cases per day (down from 2.4 last week). 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 September 9, 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.
Based on the average daily cases per 100,000 residents, each city or town in Massachusetts has been designated as a higher risk (red), moderate risk (yellow), or lower risk (green) community. Communities with fewer than 5 cases are not given a designation. The Town of Barnstable, with 4.4 cases per 100K (greater than 4 but less than 8 cases per 100,000 population) is shaded yellow as of September 2, 2020. Here is a link to the Covid-19 Community-Level data Map: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/community-level-covid-19-data-reporting
In New England. Boston (Suffolk County) now has the most elevated new case rate (8.3 new cases per 100,000 residents [7-day average], down from 10/100K last week), and Rhode Island is second with 8.0/100K. The 14-day trends for both are downwards. There are strong correlations of high or increasing case counts in these urban areas and in high density living situations.
In Barnstable County, there have been 1,662 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively since March 2020. 169 deaths occurred in Barnstable County due to the virus. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported a total of 121,214 Massachusetts residents have tested positive for COVID-19; 8,933 Massachusetts residents died from the virus. In the United States, 6,328,054 persons contracted COVID-19. A total of 189,698 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 1,876,973 persons were tested in Massachusetts for the virus. Only 6.46% 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 citizens and business owners relative to latest Massachusetts requirements and recommendations. Health inspectors continue to review applications and issue disposal works construction permits, review building permit applications, witness percolation tests, respond to complaints regarding food establishments, semi-public swimming pools, hotels, recreational camps, tanning facilities, mobile food units, rental units, and horse stables. Each complaint is investigated and appropriate action is taken within 24 hours.
A full list of the types of businesses which may remain open during Phase 3, Step 1 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