Toward the end of December, the daily new COVID-19 case numbers in Barnstable County remained very high. The 7-day average cases per 100,000 population per day was 37/100K, with 7-day average cases per day of 78 with an unclear trend. Positive test results received on both 12/25 and 12/26 were reported at (203 cases).
Also at the end of December, Barnstable County's 3-day case tally set another new record, 311 cases, between 12/14 and 12/26.
During the 14-day period from 12/6/20 to 12/19/20 Barnstable County added 997 confirmed cases, with a test positivity rate of 4.85%--slightly higher than the prior two-week period.
Fatalities from COVID are increasing in Barnstable County. Three additional fatalities were reported on Christmas Eve, with another two over the following weekend. The total at the end of December was 228.
During the month of December the Mashpee Health Service Unit (IHS) also reported a significant increase in cases, with an additional 9 positive cases.
As everyone should be aware of, the State of MA and Barnstable County is still in the midst of an enduring surge of COVID-19, with additional cases expected following the Christmas Holiday. As we continue into the 10th month of this pandemic, it has not gotten much easier and the Covid fatigue has set in for most. By now a large majority of folks reading this have either known someone, have had family or may have even been infected with the virus themselves.
Some of the hope that is on the horizon, entails the fact that a vaccine has been released and the Mashpee IHS is in the process of providing vaccinations. Testing is still available at no cost for all Tribal Members and members of their household, all PPE is still available to Tribal Members on a weekly basis and the MWT Emergency Management Department will soon have infectious disease public health professionals on staff to assist the Tribal Community. As we move forward into this New Year of 2021, there is a slightly brighter outlook.
The important piece is that we do not let our guard down and continue to follow the basic public health principles that have become part of our every-day lives. Let’s be sure to continue in practicing daily health safety measures and be vigilant of our surroundings as we approach each day. Please continue to wear your masks when not around individual’s from your immediate household, practice social distancing (6ft) from everyone outside if your immediate household, practice good hand hygiene, avoid group gatherings and continue to get tested. By continuing to follow through with these steps that we have all become so accustomed to, we will help to keep the COVID case levels lowered within our Tribal Community and also help to ensure that our Tribal Elders and vulnerable members with pre-existing conditions are kept safe as we all get through this pandemic safely together.
For additional Covid 19 assistance such as PPE throughout each day of the week, please feel free to contact MWT Emergency Management at: 508-477-0208 Ext 103
