February 24, 2020 – Coronavirus Updates

The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak in Asia and Europe and the progress of the COVID-19 cases in the United States.  We will continue to review and post the most up-to-date information from dependable sources to keep you informed. 

Currently in United States there are a total of 14 reported cases of people infected with the Coronavirus.  We recommend visiting these websites with reliable information: Center for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  Reported cases globally in real-time are listed on the John Hopkins University site. 

Each community in Barnstable County has an emergency response plan for public health emergencies should we need them.  They were activated during the H1N1 Flu event of 2010 and are located at your local board of health office. 

The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment is increasing efforts to get flu prevention strategies out to the public.  Over 8,000 people in this country die each year from influenza.  Many of the symptoms of Influenza and Coronavirus are similar and some of the precautions are the same.  Basic precautions include:

• 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 if necessary.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with those who are ill.
• Stay home yourself from work or school when ill.

We also still have flu vaccine available as well.  Appointments with Public Health Nurse Deirdre Arvidson are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. To schedule an appointment, call 508-375-6617. 

 

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