Wednesday November 25, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Information
New confirmed and probable cases maintain the trend of marked increases which began more than three weeks ago. 285 new positive cases were reported during the past fourteen days in Barnstable which calculates to an average of 20.4 cases per day (or 45.8 per 100,000 population). A total of 953 residents of the Town of Barnstable have tested positive for COVID-19 cumulatively 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 through November 24, 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 high risk (red) community for the first time. 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-
As of yesterday, Cape Cod Healthcare reported there were fifteen (15) positive patients being treated in their two hospitals (Falmouth Hospital and Cape Cod Hospital).
In Barnstable County, there have been a total of 2,761 positive cases (cumulatively) and 190 deaths from Covid-19 this year. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported there have been a total of 204,060 positive cases and 10,319 deaths from Covid-19 in the State of Massachusetts this year. In the United States, 12,597,510 persons contracted the virus and a total of 259,976 persons in the United States died from the virus this year according to data received from the John Hopkins University website
A total of 8,000,861 persons were tested in Massachusetts for the virus. 2.55% of those tested were found to be positive state-wide. 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.
We continue to urge everyone to follow the State guidelines and to take these 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 and team of contract nurses continue 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