Monday November 16, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Information
New confirmed and probable cases maintain the trend of marked increases which began approximately three weeks ago. A total of 725 residents of the Town of Barnstable have tested positive for COVID-19 cumulatively to date. 138 new positive cases were reported during the past fourteen days in Barnstable which calculates to an average of 9.8 cases per day (or 22.2 per 100,000 population). The current average daily count of new cases exceeds the average daily count experienced back in April/ May 2020 for Town of Barnstable residents. 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 November 16, 2020. The green line depicted on this graph is an attempt to show the reader where we have been and where are presently in regards to the “curves,” providing the average number of cases reported per day along a time-line.
Each town in Massachusetts continues to be designated as a higher risk (red), moderate risk (yellow), or lower risk (green) community based on two factors: (a) the average daily cases per 100,000 residents over a 14-day period, and (b) the percentage of positive test results. The latest MA DPH weekly report identifies the Town of Barnstable as a moderate risk (yellow) community. For more information, you may visit this web page: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting#covid-19-weekly-public-health-report-
Cape Cod Healthcare reports eight (8) Covid-19 positive cases are being treated in the hospital this morning; six at Cape Cod Hospital (CCH) and two at Falmouth Hospital. There is one Covid-19 patient in the intensive care unit.
Two additional fatalities were reported on Cape Cod from Covid-19 over the weekend; the total is 188. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported a total of 182,544 positive cases to date. 10,098 Massachusetts residents died from the virus. In the United States, 11,038,312 persons contracted the COVID-19 virus. A total of 246,224 persons in the United States have died from the virus this year according to data received from the John Hopkins University website this morning
A total of 7,268,466 persons were tested in Massachusetts for the virus. Only 2.51% of those tested were found to be positive state-wide. This continues to be a very low percentage of positive tests. 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 retail stores, 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.
Last week, due to the increased number of new cases and hospitalizations statewide, Governor Baker announced re-opening guidance limiting the hours of operation of restaurants, package stores, fitness centers, health clubs, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, movie theatres, arcades, and other businesses to 9:30 p.m. (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency#limits-on-gatherings-), so as to allow employees and patrons to comply with this advisory (https://www.mass.gov/news/stay-at-home-advisory) which asks all citizens to stay home between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
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, school, sports and other activities when ill.
- Stay home to isolate or quarantine for fourteen days when contacted and required by the Board of Health.
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