Health Department Covid-19 Case Update 01-22-2021
CASES AND STATISTICS
To date there have been a total of 447 cases of COVID-19 in the Town of Harwich. As of today, we are following 27 active cases of COVID-19 in Harwich residents (not including Wingate). We continue to have an elevated active caseload.
Harwich remains in the “red” which designates us as a High Risk Community. This designation is made when a community of our size reaches a positivity rate of over 5% and has had more than 25 positive cases in a two week period. We have a positivity rate of 7.52% which is determined by the number of tests administered. There were 1436 tests administered and 108 tests were positive in the last 2 weeks. This is again higher than last week.
RE-OPENING PLANS
All other parts of the temporary order remain in effect. Businesses on the above list must maintain the 25% occupancy limits. This temporary capacity limitation is extended until February 8th unless extended further.
VACCINE UPDATE
We are currently vaccinating all groups in Phase 1 of the MA COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline.
As of January 21, 2021, all groups in Phase 1 are eligible to be vaccinated. This includes:
- • COVID and non-COVID facing health care workers
- • Residents and staff of long term care facilities
- • First responders
- • Staff and residents of congregate care settings, such as shelters and prisons
- • Home-based health care workers
Individuals eligible for vaccination in Phase 1 can visit mass.gov/CovidVaccineMap to view vaccine locations, including mass vaccination sites, sign-up and eligibility information. Sites will continue to be added with appointments released on a rolling basis.
Each individual Town on the Cape may not be holding a separate clinic during this Phase. Instead, the County will set up general clinics open to all eligible residents. Also, pharmacies such as CVS, and Walgreens are now scheduling the shots. High thru-put sites are now available at Gillette Stadium and Fenway Park for all eligible residents-just keep in mind that a second dose is required and that dose needs to be administered at the same site as the first dose. This aids in vaccine distribution.
Appointments are required for any location and proof of eligibility will be requested upon entering the clinic site. Sign-ups for the general clinics offered by Barnstable County are done through the County website https://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/covid-19/when-can-i-get-vaccinated
The map will be updated as soon as these sites are ready to accept patients.
Phase 2 is still on track to start in early February. Harwich will be coordinating vaccine distribution to our affordable senior housing complexes with Osco Pharmacy. We are exploring the options to hold a clinic specific to Harwich residents that are in the first priority group of Phase 2. Planning efforts are underway to see if this is a viable option.
TESTING
FREE asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 is still available at Outer Cape Health Service through February 28, 2021. This is the rapid antigen test and is not valid for Travel Order compliance. PCR testing is also available here. For testing options at Outer Cape Health, please call 508-905-2888 in advance to make a testing appointment.
Testing is available in other locations 7 days per week through Cape Cod Healthcare. Call the Community Testing Line at 508-534-7103 to make an appointment.
Stay warm and stay well!Meggan EldredgeHealth Director