Monday February 1, 2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Information
During the past fourteen days, a total of 344 new probable and confirmed cases were reported in the Town of Barnstable which calculates to an average of 24.6 cases per day. The graph below provides the average daily incidence rate, calculated over 14 day time periods
Since March 19, 2020, a cumulative total of 2,516 residents of the Town have tested positive for COVID-19. In Barnstable County, there have been a total of 8,703 positive cases (cumulatively) and 342 deaths from Coronavirus this year. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported there have been a total of 498,145 positive cases and 14,287 deaths from COVID-19 in the State of Massachusetts this year. In the United States, 26,188,084 persons contracted the virus and a total of 441,331 persons in the United States died from the virus this year according to data received from the John Hopkins University website.
Hospitalizations of patients infected with this virus have decreased during the past few weeks in Barnstable County. As of yesterday, Cape Cod Healthcare reported thirty-seven (37) positive patients who were/are being treated in their two hospitals (Falmouth Hospital and Cape Cod Hospital), including ten (10) patients in intensive care units.
The Town of Barnstable Health Division held multiple clinics in January at the Barnstable Adult Community Center (BACC) and at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church Community Center for first responders, nurses, and other medical professionals. However during the past three weeks, the Division has not received any additional requested vaccine due to a State-wide shortage. Therefore we have not been able to hold any additional vaccination clinics. The Town of Barnstable Health Division continues to be ready; we will be holding additional vaccination clinics for eligible residents as soon as vaccine becomes available.
To obtain a vaccination, you must be eligible for Phase 1 or for the first Tier of Phase 2 (residents ages 75 and over). You may check to see if you are eligible to get a vaccine according to the Massachusetts vaccine distribution schedule at: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine
Cape Cod Healthcare and Barnstable County have partnered to open vaccination sites at Barnstable County Fairgrounds and at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. Barnstable County registration and vaccination information is available at: https://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/
Key officials of the Town continue to meet daily to plan and implement proper actions which are in step with the Governor’s orders and MA DPH guidelines. 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 hazardous wastes, 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.
During these times of increasing numbers of positive case counts and patient hospitalizations, we strongly 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 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 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