The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Department of Education are providing frequent updates on the current status of COVID-19. Please refer to the links below for information and updates, as well as Dr. Carpenter's weekly briefings.

1/19/21: Barnstable County launched the COVID-19 Helpline: (774) 330-3001. Callers can speak with trained Medical Reserve Corps volunteers Mon. through Fri., 8 am – 4:30 pm, who can answer questions regarding COVID-19 testing sites, vaccine rollout information, and more.

12/29/20: Testing resources

Asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 is common, particularly among school age kids, and getting a test is the best way to ensure we can identify positive individuals before infection of others occurs. Testing has finally expanded on Cape Cod, and below are details on where and how to get tested, including a free rapid test option available at Outer Cape Health Services.

There is PCR testing available at the Falmouth Fairgrounds and the Hyannis Melody Tent. Persons must call ahead for an appointment. Click here for more details on these options. Additionally, Outer Cape Health Services is offering PCR testing by appointment in Harwich Port. Click here for more details on the Outer Cape option. 

If you have symptoms or have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, testing should be covered by your health insurance, otherwise tests cost $75 (or $110 for travel-related tests). Contact your primary care provider to get a referral for a test. If you do not have health insurance, call the Barnstable County Community Testing line at 508-534-7103 to be screened by a provider. No one will be turned away due to lack of insurance or inability to pay.

Outer Cape Health Services is also offering FREE rapid testing for asymptomatic individuals until January 10, 2021. If you are curious if you have COVID but don’t have any symptoms, call for an appointment at 508-905-2888. Locations are available in Harwich, Wellfleet and Provincetown. (Note: this is not a PCR test and does not satisfy the state’s Travel Order requirements.)

10/21/20: The CDC has revised its definition of close contact. The new definition of close contact is: "Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated."