Important Updates to Coronavirus Information from Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment
February 7, 2020 – The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment continues to monitor the Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China and the reported cases in this country. As of right now there are 12 confirmed cases in the United States and approximately 100 patients being tested for the virus. Massachusetts is still at 1. The patient is not hospitalized but has been isolated at their home.
In the meantime, we will be increasing our 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.
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 new Department of Public health website provides relevant up-to-date information on the state of the Novel Coronavirus for all residents. Please visit mass.gov/2019coronavirus.
Additional details and guidance regarding the Novel Coronavirus are also available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Visit CDC: 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
View this NBC news report (February 7, 2020) regarding the number of cases of Coronavirus.
- View the Travel Alert
- Healthcare Professionals – See the Flowchart to identify and assess 2019 novel Coronavirus for the evaluation of patients. Read the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly – February 7, 2020
