Health Department Covid-19 Case Update 10-08-2020

October 8, 2020                                             

Weekly COVID-19 Update

The current total cases of COVID-19 for the Town of Harwich is 162. This is an increase of 5 cases over the last 7 days.  Please note that 2 of these cases are college students who are isolating at school. We are following a total of 5 active cases in Harwich right now.

To date 4918 people in Harwich have been tested for COVID-19 and our positivity rate has increased for the third week in a row to 2.33%.  We continue to be in the yellow on the Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 incidence map. 

The Department of Public Health has announced additional funding for local health departments, similar to the grant that was dispersed by Barnstable County in the last fiscal year.  I should have details on an amount in the next few weeks, this new funding will be available through December 31, 2020.

As the weather gets colder, gatherings will tend to start migrating indoors.  Social distancing and hand hygiene remain extremely important for COVID-19 prevention.  Please remember to be cautious of your social interactions; being within 6’ of someone for 10-15 minutes is what makes you a close contact. A mask will help limit the spread of germs, but it does not exclude someone from being a close contact.  Stay home if you are not feeling well or if you or someone in your household have recently traveled. 

Remember to get your flu shot this year.  The Health Department is holding a public clinic on October 20th at the Community Center.  It is a drive through clinic from 2-5 pm and participants must pre-register to get a shot.  Call or email for an appointment and a registration form.

Thank you,

Meggan Eldredge

Health Director