The second to last week of March, Barnstable County had recorded more than 1,000 new positive COVID-19 tests in an average over the previous 14 days, with a positive-test rate of 5.6%. The positivity rate was more than double the statewide average during this timeframe. Also toward the end of March, the first case of the Brazilian variant P1 has been announced in Massachusetts in Barnstable County. B117 and B1351 have been identified in Massachusetts.

The first case with the P1 variant in Barnstable County (and MA) was identified in late February by CDC surveillance processes and announced by the DPH on 3/16, and additional cases of P1 have been identified. Cases of B117 are also confirmed to be circulating in Barnstable County

On or about 3/15/21 an additional surge in new cases began in Barnstable County, which is assumed to be associated in part with the arrival of of the P1 and B117 variants. Hospitalizations are increasing commensurately. Seven of the 15 towns on Cape Cod (nearly all located in the middle and lower Cape) have returned to the highest risk (red) category in terms of average 2-week new case numbers.

The first week of March marked the one-year anniversary of the recognition of the first COVID case in Massachusetts. The second to last week of March marked the one-year anniversary of the MWT Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation as well. During the course of this past year the MWT Emergency Management Department has been able to keep the Tribal Community safe through the initial efforts of support to the Mashpee Health Service Unit through PPE and Covid test kits. PPE and Covid resources were provided and readily available throughout the past year as well to the community, in addition to providing isolation based quarantine lodging. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe was also the first Tribe in region and second in Country to become a direct recipient under FEMA for the National Covid-19 Emergency Declaration. As a result MWT has lead the way for reimbursement in the region and helped to guide the neighboring Tribes in this process.

As we are now officially one year into the pandemic, it is very important to note that we are in a better place in our response efforts. The Emergency Management Department with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FEMA staff and Public Health Advisor at the EOC established pandemic plans, including the vaccination plan that has helped to lead the way for all Tribal Members now over the age of 16 to receive the vaccination. With hope on the horizon through vaccine availability, we can now begin to see the avenues toward a new normalcy, including the safe re-entry planning of the WLRP School, Court, Employees, Community and Gov. Center and CFS visitations.

Although vaccinations, testing and Covid resources are readily available to our Tribal Community, we must continue to remain vigilant, take the same precautions as we have and not let our guard down. The Coronavirus is still an extremely highly contagious virus and our most vulnerable members are still at risk every day. With COVID-19 variants present within our local communities, it is strongly recommended to avoid unnecessary large gatherings, wear masks, practice good hand hygiene and practice physical distancing. We will get through these pandemic times together as one people and as a strong nation, as our ancestors did before us.

Kutaputush and stay safe –

Nelson Andrews Jr, Director – MWT Emergency Management

Please take the time to complete this brief vaccination survey from MWT Emergency Management and the MWT IHS.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MQVQ8LY

For vaccination and Covid test scheduling and information, please contact Mashpee Wampanoag Health Service Unit at: 508-477-6967 or 508-539-2561

For Covid resource support and information, please contact MWT Emergency Management at: 508-477-0208 Ext 103 or 166