Toward the end of December 2021 in Barnstable County, an average of 184 cases per day were reported, a 45 % increase from the previous two-week average. Since the beginning of pandemic, at least 1 in 9 residents have been infected with a total of 23,663 reported cases in the county. The Test positivity rate for Barnstable County was 8.01% at the end of December an increase from 7.76% in the prior two-weeks. There was also an increase in positive cases within the tribal community over the month of December with 20 reported cases.
Cases surged during the last week of month with the total reported cases toward the end of December at the highest of pandemic in county. The numbers of hospitalized Covid patients and deaths in the county area have also risen. The early winter surge will keep cases and hospitalizations elevated. Now that vaccination of children age 5+ has begun and boosters are available to 16–17-year-olds and adults, exposures and illness can possibly be mitigated on the Cape & Islands.
The Community & Government Center had a temporary closure last month for a one week period to deep clean facility and to ensure that all tribal operation employees had received a negative PCR Covid test. The Mashpee Wampanoag Health Service Unit (IHS) opened up additional weekly testing for the tribal community as well, additional information is below.
With the rising cases within our community and region, it is extremely important that we keep our elders and most vulnerable tribal members in the forefront. Please continue to wear your masks, practice good hand hygiene, avoid large group gatherings and follow any isolation or quarantine guidelines. Please be sure to take advantage of the available testing, vaccinations, PPE and Covid prevention resources available to the tribal community. By following the public health guidelines that are in place and utilizing the available resources we can all be sure to get through this current surge safely together and have a more prosperous new year ahead.
~ Nelson Andrews Jr – MWT EMD Director
New Activities:
Increased COVID testing and vaccination appointments during the week in mornings and afternoons at the Mashpee Wampanoag Health Service Unit (IHS). December 27th 2021 to January 28th 2022. Patients need to call the clinic to schedule an appointment. (508) 539-2561
Available COVID rapid home test kits from IHS and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Emergency Management Department (MWTEMD). Please contact IHS at (508) 539-2561 or MWTEMD at (508) 477-0208 Ext 103 to request a kit or for more information. Available PPE, Covid resources are available as needed as well. Please contact MWT EMD for more information.
Covid Vaccine Town Hall Zoom with CDC experts to be held Tuesday 1/4/21 5:30pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87659964775?pwd=Y0svUEIvUHFQZ0ZmYjNBakkzbnRUdz09 Meeting ID: 876 5996 4775
Passcode: 845149
New Updates:
Most Children and All Teens Can Get COVID-19 Vaccines
CDC recommends everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19.
Widespread vaccination for COVID-19 is a critical tool to best protect everyone, especially those at highest risk, from severe illness and death. People who are fully vaccinated can safely resume many activities that they did prior to the pandemic. Children ages 5 years and older are able to get an age-appropriate dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
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