Health Department Covid-19 Case Update

July 24, 2020

Weekly COVID-19 Case Update

As of today, the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 that have occurred in Harwich is 135.  Included in this number are the 71 individuals that were associated with Wingate.  Our fatalities remain at 24 total.  We currently are following 8 active cases.

In reference to the recently publicized gathering in Chatham, we have been notified of three cases from that cluster that live in Harwich.  A testing clinic for those who attended this gathering or the close contacts of those individual is in the planning process and will be available next week.  Details to follow.

Harwich has seen an increase in the number of positive and probable cases over the last two weeks and several businesses have been impacted by positive workers.  Please be assured that the Health Department has been involved with each business that has had an exposure, and that we ensure the safe re-opening of all businesses if and when this occurs.

Recently, the Department of Public Health has been including “probable” cases in addition to “confirmed” cases.  Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have had a total of 11 probable cases of COVID-19.

The probable cases are those individuals who have been tested using an antibody or antigen test, instead of the PCR nasal swab test, the FDA approved method to detect active COVID infections. The antigen test is also a nasal swab and results are typically offered within an hour, however, it is associated with a high false-negative result. For this reason, I urge people to get the PCR test instead of the rapid antigen test.  Asymptomatic people may test negative using the rapid test but actually be positive and contagious to others.   

If you are looking to be tested, please contact your primary care doctor or use the testing center locater tool on the mass.gov website.  When searching, make sure the site offers the PCR test. The locator tool can be found here:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing

This is a difficult time and businesses are doing their best to keep staff and patrons safe. Remember to take personal responsibility for your own health and continue to practice social distancing, frequent handwashing and use your face covering.

Thank you and stay safe!