COVID-19 Information

The coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) is a contagious disease that is infecting people across the United States. This webpage will provide Wellfleet residents with information about Town activities related to the coronavirus, as well as trustworthy sources of additional information.

Please click the links on the left for more information about each topic.

COVID-19 Diagnostics in Context 

FOR INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING PHONE NUMBERS AND EMAILS:



 

All meetings are still being held virtually via zoom. Please check the town calendar for all meeting dates, times and zoom links.

www.wellfleet-ma.gov

The meeting recordings are available the following day on the towns You Tube Channel (Wellfleet Town Meeting)


COVID Weekly Update

January 11, 2022

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Tool for Residents to Access COVID-19 Digital Vaccine Card

“My Vax Records” Provides New Option to Access Vaccine History and QR Code to Verify COVID-19 Vaccination

 BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a tool that gives residents a new way to access their COVID-19 digital vaccine card and vaccination history. The new tool, called My Vax Records, allows people who received their vaccination in Massachusetts to access their own vaccination history and generate a COVID-19 digital vaccine card, which would contain similar vaccination information to a paper CDC card. The COVID-19 digital vaccine cards produced by the system utilize the SMART Health Card platform and generate a QR code that can be used to verify vaccination.  The Administration is not requiring residents to show proof of vaccination to enter any venue, but this tool will help residents who would like to access and produce a digital copy of their record.

Access the new tool at MyVaxRecords.Mass.Gov.

How It Works: The new tool is easy to use: a person enters their name, date of birth, and mobile phone number or email associated with their vaccine record. After creating a 4-digit PIN, the user receives a link to their vaccine record that will open upon re-entry of the PIN.

The electronic record shows the same information as a paper CDC vaccine card: name, date of birth, date of vaccinations, and vaccine manufacturer. It also includes a QR code that makes these same details readable by a QR scanner, including smartphone apps. Once the SMART Health Card is received, users are able to save the QR code to their phone, such as the Apple Wallet, screenshot the information and save it to their phone’s photos, or print out a copy for a paper record. The system follows national standards for security and privacy.

This system provides an optional way that residents can access their vaccination information and a COVID-19 digital vaccine card. This will provide residents with another tool to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, should it be requested by businesses, local governments, or other entities.

The system leverages the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS), the official database used by health care providers across the state to record vaccination information. The system relies on hundreds of providers inputting demographic and health information. Some users may not be able to immediately find their record, or may find an incomplete record. Residents whose record cannot be found or is incomplete can either contact their health care provider or contact the MIIS team to update their records. Learn more about the tool and view frequently-asked-questions at www.mass.gov/myvaxrecord.

Massachusetts has worked with VCI,™ a voluntary coalition of public and private organizations which developed the open-source SMART Health Card Framework in use by other states. The VCI coalition is dedicated to improving privacy and security of patient information, making medical records portable and reducing healthcare fraud.

My Vax Records is just one way residents can obtain their COVID vaccination record. Pharmacies that administered the COVID vaccine and many health care providers also are making SMART Health Cards available, or are providing additional options. Learn more.

 

     

November 18, 2021

TOWN OF WELLFLEET

BOARD OF HEALTH

and 

 

SELECTBOARD

 

RULE AND ORDER REQUIRING THE USE OF MASKS AND OTHER PROTECTIVE MEASURES

EFFECTIVE: November 18, 2021

Pursuant to the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 111, Sections 31 and 122, 310 CMR 11.05, 105 CMR 300.200 and all other authorizing statues and regulations, we the members of the Wellfleet Board of Health and Selectboard hereby order the following:

 

It is recommended that all persons who do not reside in the same household maintain a physical distance of six feet when possible and when in a location that is open to the public. 

In addition to physical distancing and in an effort to protect the public health, all persons regardless of vaccination status, including customers and staff working in areas accessible to customers, must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth, such as a fabric or surgical mask. Wearing a mask is not a substitute for maintaining six feet of physical distancing.

Masks or face coverings shall be worn:

  • Whenever indoors on the premises of a business, club, or place of assembly, including but not limited to retail establishments, restaurants, bars, performance venues, social clubs, event spaces, places of religious worship and municipal buildings.  Food service establishment customers may only remove face coverings when seated; lodging workers and guests are required to wear face coverings inside hallways and common areas.
  • Personal services (including hair salons and massage/ body work) customers and workers are required to wear face coverings.
  • Masking remains mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems including ride shares, taxis, transportation shelters and the CCRTA flex bus.
  • This Order shall not apply to informal gatherings at private residences in which no compensation for use of the property is paid to the owner and it shall not apply to unorganized gatherings in unenclosed, outdoor spaces such as a park, athletic field, or parking lot.

The face covering requirements of this Order shall be in place until it is rescinded by the Board of Health and Selectboard.

Full vaccination against COVID-19 remains important to reduce transmission, hospitalization and morbidity from the virus. We encourage all eligible persons who are not fully vaccinated to get immunized.  It is recommended that all non-vaccinated individuals wear a face mask in all public areas. 

Notwithstanding any provision in this Order, pursuant to guidance issued by CDC face coverings should not be placed on young children under two years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance, or anyone who due to disability is unable to wear a mask.

To the extent necessary, this Order shall be enforced by the Wellfleet Health Agent and Assistant Health Agent.

Whoever violates any provision of this Order may be penalized by a non-criminal disposition process as provided in MGL Chapter 40, Section 21D and the Town’s non-criminal disposition by-law.

If non-criminal disposition is elected, then any person who violates any provision if this Order shall be subject to: for a first offense, a written warning; for a second offense, a penalty in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100); for a third offense, a penalty of two hundred dollars ($200); and for a fourth or subsequent offense, a penalty in the amount of three hundred dollars ($300).  Each day or portion thereof shall constitute a separate offense.  If more than one, each condition violated shall constitute a separate offense.

This Order shall be effective November 18, 2021 and remain in effect until notice is given, pursuant to the Wellfleet Board of Health and Selectboard’s judgement that the Public Health Emergency no longer exists. 

August 3, 2021

advisory regarding face coverings and cloth masks

Updated July30, 2021

This Advisory has been updated as of July 30, 2021.

On July 27, 2021, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated guidance regarding the use of face coverings and cloth masks by individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective and every individual who is eligible and either works, studies or resides in Massachusetts is advised to get vaccinated. 

 The updated CDC guidance continues to state that individuals who are fully vaccinated may, as a general matter, resume many of the activities that they engaged in prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where otherwise required by federal, state, or local laws, rules or regulations.  In response to the recent spread of the Delta variant, however, the CDC’s updated guidance does recommend that even fully vaccinated persons wear masks or face coverings when indoors if other risk factors are present.

In light of the information provided by the CDC, and in order to maximize protection of vulnerable individuals from the Delta variant, the Department of Public Health now advises that a fully vaccinated person should wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home) if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated. 

Your primary care provider can advise you whether you are at increased risk.  Information from the CDC on the conditions that may put you at increased risk can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-....  

An individual is fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. However, if a fully vaccinated individual becomes symptomatic, they should be tested and wear a mask until receiving test results

 All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing face coverings in certain settings, including transportation and health care facilities.  Please see www.mass.gov/maskrules for a complete list of venues where face coverings remain mandatory as of May 29, 2021.

 For individuals who are not fully vaccinated, it is important that you continue to wear a face covering or mask to help prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to other people. People who show no symptoms of illness may still be able to spread COVID-19.

 For individuals who are not fully vaccinated, the CDC advises the following:

  • Wear a face covering or mask that covers your nose and mouth.
  • Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available
  • Get tested if you have been exposed to or have symptoms associated with COVID-19.

When you wear a face covering or cloth mask, it should:

  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face,
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops,
  • Include multiple layers of fabric,
  • Allow for breathing without restriction, and
  • Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.

For more information, please refer to the CDC at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guid...

This advisory may change based on public health data and further guidance from the CDC.

July 23, 2021

Town of Wellfleet

Health and Conservation Department

220 West Main Street

Wellfleet, MA 02667

508-349-0308 

I am writing to report an increase in Covid Cases in our community.  Today, July 23, 2021, we currently have 5 cases, and one transient case.  Our cases are occurring in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. 

There is much speculation about the Delta variant, but it is important to know the facts:

  • Many people presume that the vaccine is 100% effective at completely blocking the virus, yet while vaccination will protect most people from getting sick with COVID-19, a small percentage may get sick, which is called breakthrough.
  • Asymptomatic and symptomatic illness is still a factor even if you are vaccinated.
  • Breakthrough is expected and is tied directly to human behaviors.
  • Please be aware of situations where you may need to protect yourself and others.

COVID mitigations such as masking and social distancing are a personal choice but the CDC guidance advises unvaccinated people to mask while in public.

While not required, personal protection (masking) for vaccinated people while with individuals who are not in your family unit is advised when you are too close to maintain adequate physical separation.

Please get tested if you have any symptoms, including what seems like a cold, and if you are sick, please do not participate in social events or gatherings.

 At this time, I would like to request that masking be required in all public buildings and extend support to Wellfleet business establishments who choose to require the public to mask in efforts to better protect their staff and those vulnerable members of the public. 

 The Wellfleet Health and Conservation Department will continue to monitor the situation and keep the public advised of further developments regarding COVID-19.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out.  The phone number is above and I can be reached by email at Hillary.lemos@wellfleet-ma.gov

Yours,

Hillary Greenberg

Wellfleet Health and Conservation Agent

May 4, 2021

Just reaching out to share information on the Cape Cod Healthcare vaccine availability for your colleagues, town business owners, friends or family.

 There are LOTS of slots still available for Vaccination at the Melody Tent this Wednesday – and conveniently for those who work days, the clinic is running from 3pm to 7pm.  (The Moderna vaccine will be given for appointments on May 5th.The Moderna vaccine is FDA authorized only for use in individuals 18 years old and up)

Please call 508-534-7103 to schedule a vaccination for a 16 or 17 year old.

 CHC will be running these late afternoon/evening clinics for the foreseeable future…given that the younger population is now who we are reaching out to!

Below is the link and the QR code to easily self-schedule and choose an appointment time.

https://mychart-openscheduling.et1149.epichosted.com/MyChart/OpenScheduling

 

April 16, 2021

 Important Announcements Regarding Changes to the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Registration Process

Barnstable County is transitioning to the new, state-run vaccine pre-registration system, called Color.

Here's what you need to know:

In order to get a first-dose vaccine appointment at one of our clinics, you must pre-register through the Mass.gov website. Simply click the link below:

Preregister for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment | Mass.gov

Once you are pre-registered, the system will alert you via your preferred form of communication (phone, email or text) when there is an opportunity for you to schedule an appointment. Appointments are offered based on eligibility and availability of vaccine.

We will no longer be posting our clinics on www.maimmunizations.org.

We are no longer sending emails notifying the public of upcoming clinic dates and specific clinic registration opening times.

Barnstable County clinics will continue to take place weekly at the Cape Cod Community College gymnasium. The clinics are indoors and wheelchair accessible.

First dose clinics will not take place every week; some weeks will serve to provide second doses to those who received their initial vaccination at one of our earlier clinics.

Over the coming weeks, vaccine availability at select pharmacy locations is expected to increase substantially.

 If you are able to find an appointment elsewhere while you are waiting to be contacted by the state system (for example, at your local pharmacy or grocery store), there are several clear avenues to opt out. The state system will only notify you regarding appointment openings at publicly run clinics.

If you are no longer interested in receiving emails from Barnstable County, simply click the "unsubscribe" button below. We will continue to use this forum sparingly for updates and information as necessary.

Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment | www.barnstablecountyhealth.org

April 13, 2021

 Statement from the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment

on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Barnstable, MA- April 13, 2021 - Today, the FDA and CDC recommended that U.S. federal distribution channels, including all vaccination sites, pause the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until a review of the vaccine is completed. This is in response to an extremely rare occurrence of potentially dangerous blood clots, which was reported in 6 individuals nationwide.

Barnstable County has halted the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as of today. Two small Johnson & Johnson clinics planned for today and tomorrow have been canceled.  All other clinics hosted by Barnstable County will continue to use the Pfizer vaccine. Barnstable County has administered 1,400 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine since January of this year. 

Barnstable County advises Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients who received their shot within the last three weeks to contact their health care provider if they experience severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath.

More than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered in the U.S., the vast majority with no or mild side effects.

The other two authorized vaccines, from Moderna and Pfizer, make up the vast share of COVID-19 shots administered in the U.S., and are not affected by the pause. Barnstable County has predominantly received the Pfizer vaccine.

Currently, 3,500 Pfizer doses are received on a weekly basis.

Press Contact:

Sonja Sheasley, Communications Manager | (508) 375-6896 | Sonja.sheasley@barnstablecounty.org

###

Bethany Traverse

Health Communications Coordinator

Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment

3195 Main Street/P.O. Box 427

Barnstable, MA 02630

Phone: (508) 375-6844

Email: Bethany.traverse@barnstablecounty.org

March 17, 2021

Govenor Baker announces vaccines for people over 16

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-vaccine-timeline-for-all-residents-provides-weekly-dose-updates-247-million-in-federal-funding-for-vaccine-equity-initiative

 

March 16, 2021

State Public Health Officials Announce First Case of the P.1 COVID-19 Variant of Concern in Massachusetts, Urge Continued Protective Measures | Mass.gov

March 4, 2021

3/9: 10am – 3pm, Johnson and Johnson Vaccine

3/11: 10am – 3pm, Johnson and Johnson Vaccine

Please click the link below to view the email:


https://conta.cc/3rmlcSk

 

February 26, 2021

Yesterday, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy made several announcements pertaining to the state’s reopening process and sector-specific guidance.

 February 25th press conference video: https://www.mass.gov/governor-updates

February 25th press release: Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plans for Continued Reopening

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-plans-fo...

 

February 18, 2021

State Announces Vaccine Appointment Booking for Individuals Ages 65+, Individuals with 2+ Certain Medical Conditions

Individuals ages 65 and over and those with 2+ certain medical conditions, including Asthma, can visit www.mass.gov/covidvaccine to book an appointment for vaccinations.

Also eligible to receive the vaccine are residents and staff of low income and affordable public and private senior housing. Residents and staff of low income and affordable public and private senior housing can learn more about vaccination options here.

Individuals with 2+ Certain Medical Conditions: 

Individuals 16 and older with two or more of certain medical conditions are eligible for vaccines.

Following CDC guidelines, the Commonwealth adopted the list of conditions that cause individuals to be at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Massachusetts has also identified moderate-to-severe asthma as an eligible medical condition.

Here is a list of some Phase 2 eligible conditions: Asthma (moderate-to-severe), Cancer, Chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Down Syndrome, Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies, immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, obesity and severe obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, smoking, type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Here is more information on all eligible conditions:  CDC: COVID-19: People with Certain Medical Conditions.

With this announcement, almost 1 million individuals are newly eligible for vaccine.

Due to extremely high demand for appointments and limited vaccine supply, it could take more than a month for all eligible individuals to secure an available appointment, unless federal supply significantly increases.

February 11, 2021

On Friday, February 12, 2021 by 12:00 PM, the following drive-thru vaccine clinic will be published, searchable and OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS at the following website: www.maimmunizations.org

Clinic Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Orleans Department of Public Works (DPW)

Address: 40 Giddiah Hill Road, Orleans, MA 02653

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Number of doses available on February 17: 800

Go to: www.maimmunizations.org

Directions: See Google Maps

Registration Tip: On www.maimmunizations.org, manually scroll through the sites until you see this clinic listed. We advise that you do not enter the date or any other parameters in the search.

This clinic is available for those who live or work on Cape Cod and meet the criteria for Phase One or who are 75 years or older. Caregivers who accompany someone age 75 or older registered for this clinic may also register and receive their own vaccination on the same day.

Visit www.barnstablecountyhealth.org

February 4, 2021

Sunday is the SuperBowl - Let’s not make it a super spreader event

Coronavirus cases in the U.S. have surged after almost every major holiday of the past year, including Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This weekend brings another major holiday, even if it’s not an official one: Super Bowl Sunday. And there is reason to worry that it will turn into Superspreader Sunday. 

Please remember that the state restricts indoor gatherings to 10 people or less. If you have a SuperBowl Party, please only invite your household members. Do what you can to limit the spread of the virus by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands often. 

The good news - All the vaccines are promising 

The New York Times explains how the vaccine news continues to be better than many people realize. 

Sign up for advance notice of Barnstable County Regional COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics open for registration: 

Residents can now receive 24-hour advance notice when a Barnstable County Regional COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be opening for registration. Sign up for email notifications at http://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org.

Barnstable County Hotline

The region-wide Barnstable County Helpline addresses all COVID-19 related questions.

774-330-3001 - Monday through Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm.  

Looking to schedule a COVID-19 test?

The following locations offer COVID-19 testing for both people with and without symptoms:

Outer Cape Health Services (OCHS) - Call (508) 905-2888 to schedule an appointment.  

Barnstable County offers COVID-19 testing in Hyannis and Falmouth - Call (508) 434-7103 to schedule an appointment. 

 

What is Coronavirus and How Does It Spread?
Coronavirus is a respiratory infection that can be spread from one person to another. It appears to spread between people who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Coronavirus Symptoms
This coronavirus (COVID-19) causes respiratory (lung) infection. Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • In more serious case, pneumonia (a lung infection) may develop

Coronavirus Prevention
There are actions you and your family can take to protect yourselves from the coronavirus:

  • Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with an alcohol concentration of at least 60%
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Put distance between yourself and others if we experience coronavirus in our community – especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick. Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions are at higher risk.
  • If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve.
  • Routinely clean hard surfaces and areas where germs may collect.

Coronavirus Treatment:

CAPE COD – Residents can now receive 24 hours advance notice when a Barnstable County COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be opening for registration. Sign up for email notifications at http://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org.

What:
The Cape Cod COVID-19 Response Task Force will hold a phone briefing for residents of Cape Cod over the age of 65 to discuss COVID-19 vaccine information and access in the area.
The phone briefing will be held through a phone conferencing service that will proactively call the home phone numbers for approximately 50,000 Cape Codders over 65 to join the call just before it begins on Wednesday at 5:30pm. Those who wish to join will be automatically connected.

There will also be a robocall placed on Tuesday evening (24 hours in advance) to the list of 50,000 phone numbers to provide notification of the phone briefing the next day. The call will have capacity for well over 50,000 attendees. All attendees will be muted, in listen-only mode.

Those who would like to call in on their own are welcome to do so by calling 833-491-0326 at or just before 5:30 pm this Wednesday, February 3. Those who call that number will automatically be connected to the phone briefing. Those under 65 years old, especially those assisting a friend or family member over 65 with scheduling a vaccine appointment, are welcome to call in. Members of the media are welcome to call in as well. All by calling 833-491-0326.

Who:
State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro); State Representative Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown); Ron Bergstrom, Chair of Barnstable County Board of Regional County Regional Commissioners; Sean O’Brien of the Barnstable County Department of Health and the Environment; Mike Lauf, CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare; Dr. Kevin Mulroy, DO, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer, Cape Cod Healthcare.
Time & Dial-In Information:
5:30pm – 6:15pm on Wednesday, February 3.

Residents can now receive 24 hours advance notice when a Barnstable County COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be opening for registration. Sign up for email notifications at http://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org

Coronavirus Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready
Review this CDC guidance so your home is prepared. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/checklist-house...

Travel from High Risk Areas
If you recently returned from travel from outside the country or outside the state of Massachusetts the CDC recommends that you self-quarantine for a period of ten (10) days from the date you left the country or state. Or you have the option to get tested for Covid at local Covid testing sights. 

    A Caution About Untrustworthy Coronavirus Information
    Make sure you get your information from trusted sources, and that you follow guidance from the CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Wellfleet Health Department.

    Face Masks
    CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. 

    Self-Quarantine
    In some cases, people may be directed to “self-quarantine” if they are suspected of having the coronavirus or recently traveled to a country with many cases.

    • Self-quarantine (or home isolation) means you:
      • Stay at home except for getting medical care.
      • Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, and taxis.
      • Stay away from other people and pets in your home and use a separate bathroom if possible.
      • No visitors should come to your home.
      • If you need medical care, call ahead for guidance unless it is an emergency.
      • Avoid sharing household items.
      • Wash your hands frequently.
      • Wear a facemask if around other people.
      • Cover your sneezes and coughs with a tissue.
      • Monitor for any symptoms, or worsening symptoms.
      • Discontinue self-quarantine only in consultation with a health care provided.

    If you have questions about the coronavirus, contact the Wellfleet Health Department at (508) 349-0308 or by email.

    Hillary Greenberg-Lemos, Health and Conservation Agent
    Hillary.Lemos@wellfleet-ma.gov