Please click here to access the latest Town of Brewster updates on the Coronavirus

Brewster Cumulative Cases: 122 (95 in long-term care facilities)
Please note - # of cases may differ from state or county totals based on data collection methods. Long term care facility data reported to the state database includes all residents and staff tested at the facility. Brewster totals only include residents and staff that reside in Brewster.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Coronavirus (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 Brewster residents with information about Town activities related to the coronavirus, as well as trustworthy sources of additional information.

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
There are no treatments or vaccine for COVID-19. Patients can receive treatment to relieve symptoms - for example, medications for cough and fever.

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-household-ready.html

Travel from Out of State and High Risk Areas

  • If you recently returned from travel to out-of-state areas or overseas, the Center for Disease Control and MA Dept. of Public Health request that you self-quarantine for a period of fourteen (14) days from the date you entered back into Massachusetts.

Coronavirus Information Resources

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 Brewster Health Department.

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.

The Brewster Health Department

  • If you have questions about the coronavirus, contact the Brewster Health Department at (508) 896-3701 ext. 1120 or by email.

Amy von Hone, Health Director
avonhone@brewster-ma.gov

Sherrie McCullough, Assistant Health Director
smccullough@brewster-ma.gov

Tammi Mason, Senior Department Assistant
tmason@brewster-ma.gov
 

 

Barnstable County Gets Creative with Appeals to Generation Z to Practice Safety Precautions During COVID-19

The Campaign Includes a TikTok Video Challenge Promoting Mask-Wearing

Barnstable, MA. (July 30, 2020) — The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment is exploring new ways to convey to young locals and visitors the importance of wearing masks during the pandemic and launched the #ShowUpWithAMask campaign today.

So far, the campaign includes a one-minute Public Service Announcement featuring several youths promoting mask-wearing, most of whom are residents on Cape Cod between the ages of 15 and 25. The video is posted on all County social media platforms and websites as of today. The campaign also includes a TikTok Challenge that calls for youth to create videos based on the #ShowUpWithAMask concept that can be viewed on the County's new TikTok page www.tiktok.com/@barnstablecounty.

Barnstable County Communications Manager Sonja Sheasley said, "We know we are taking a risk because TikTok is completely different than how local governments normally do social media, which is via Facebook and Twitter. However, we see TikTok as an entertainment app with the potential to engage creative, young locals and visitors in sharing this essential message in a fun way, and at the height of our summer season. We are hoping to see some videos promoting mask-wearing far more creative than we have come up with."  

The instructions posted on the Barnstable County Health and Environment website are: 

Accept our TikTok #ShowUpWithAMask Challenge. Go to www.tiktok.com/@barnstablecounty to see what we've posted. Upload your original video to your TikTok account that promotes mask-wearing. Use fun transitions and music expressing the concept of "showing up with a mask," and don't forget to use the hashtags #ShowUpWithAMask and #CapeCod so we can share it!

Barnstable County Youth Are Invited to Request A Free Mask While Supplies Last

To further drive the message on the importance of wearing a mask, Barnstable County is also offering a free mask to Barnstable County youth in the age range of 15-25. These residents are prompted to fill out a short form, and a surgical mask will be mailed to them with a thank you letter from the County within 5-7 days.  

Deputy Director of the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, Erika Woods, says, "As part of this campaign to reach a younger demographic and to remind them of this community responsibility, we are happy to send young residents a free mask. It may not be much, but we want to offer what we can." 

To receive a free mask from the County, you must be between 15 and 25. The County has set aside a certain number of surgical masks for youth requests and will send them out while those supplies last, up to three per household.

About the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment

Established under a Special Act of the Legislature in 1926, the Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment (BCDHE) provides regional public health and environmental health services throughout the 15 towns comprising Barnstable County. The Department manages several environmental, public health, and homeland security grants funded through state and federal resources. The Department's primary mission is to protect public health and the environment and promote the physical and mental health and well-being of the residents of Barnstable County.

For media inquiries:

Contact: Sonja Sheasley, Communications Manager

Sonja.Sheasley@barnstablecounty.org

Cape Cod Reopening Task Force Unveils Print-Ready Signage for Businesses and Municipalities

(CAPE COD) As businesses reopen amid COVID-19, the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force is providing ready-made signage for businesses and municipalities on Cape Cod that promote practices that will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The Task Force’ signs are available for distribution onhttp://reopeningcapecod.org/and are designed to help business owners comply with state-set minimum safety standards. They remind guests and customers to maintain 6 feet of distance to the extent possible, wear face coverings, wash hands and keep hard surfaces sanitized, and stay vigilant for symptoms. The Task Force recommends placing signs throughout these establishments and at all entry points.

“As our members and their peers in the business community are asked to make changes to their usual business practices, our hope is to develop and distribute messaging that is very clear to customers; if we follow the rules and take responsibility for each other, we can slow the spread of the virus,” said Wendy Northcross, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and Member of the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force.

“We must give our favorite locales the time, space, and resources to comfortably adjust to the new normal. From the beginning, the goal of the Task Force is to develop and distribute universal messaging to help them do that,” said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), Public Information Officer for the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force.

Signs are available on the resourcespageofhttp://reopeningcapecod.org/.

Cape Cod Commission and Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Launch Survey of COVID-19 Business Impacts

Survey seeks to better understand the current and anticipated impacts of COVID-19

For Immediate Release (May 19, 2020) – The Cape Cod Commission and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce have issued an online survey to Cape Cod business owners to better understand the current and anticipated economic impacts of COVID-19.

Data collected through this survey will be used to support economic recovery now and in the coming weeks and months, and can be leveraged by businesses, towns, and other organizations in future grant applications and reports.

“Cape Cod’s economy is built on the backs of small and local businesses,” said Wendy Northcross, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO. “The pandemic has seriously impacted our economy, and their response to this survey will help us craft a strategy for recovery.”

Business owners are asked to share their experiences and answer specific questions on topics including business closure, revenue loss, seasonality, employment impacts, and the need for assistance.

“Supporting the region through data is a key component of the agency’s work,” says Cape Cod Commission Executive Director Kristy Senatori. “Our hope is that the data collected through this survey will help strengthen our economy and provide critical assistance to our communities.”

Business owners are encouraged to respond. The Cape Cod Businesses: Economic Impacts of Covid-19 survey is available here:https://cccom.link/ImpactSurvey

Full Statement in PDF Format

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Cape Cod Reopening Task Force Highlights Ongoing Planning for COVID-19 Testing on Cape Cod this Summer

(CAPE COD) Today, the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force and regional health partners announced plans to increase access to testing on Cape Cod this summer to detect and contain the novel coronavirus.

In a morning press availability, Cape Cod Healthcare CEO Mike Lauf, Outer Cape Health Services CEO Patricia Nadle, Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment Director Sean O’Brien, and State Senator Julian Cyr discussed ongoing plans to make additional testing available across the region.

“As Cape Cod continues to reopen, residents and seasonal visitors alike need ready access to testing to stay healthy, protect their loved ones, and limit the spread of COVID-19,” said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), who serves as public information officer for the reopening task force.

Outer Cape Health Services sites in Harwich, Wellfleet, and Provincetown provided testing to asymptomatic individuals yesterday (Wednesday) and are continuing today. The three sites were part of a larger statewide push to provide testing to residents who attended large gatherings or protests in recent days and weeks.

Read more: Cape Cod Reopening Task Force Highlights Ongoing Planning for COVID-19 Testing on Cape Cod this...

Cape Cod Reopening Task Force Offers Reactions to Governor Baker’s Reopening Plan

Task Force Members Working In Unison to Prepare for Summer 2020 as Memorial Day Weekend Approaches

Cape Cod – The Cape Cod Reopening Task Force released a statement regarding the outlook for Summer 2020 today, after Governor Charlie Baker announced the reopening plan for the Commonwealth on Monday.

“We are cautiously optimistic that our friends, relatives and guests will return to the Cape this summer for respite and a return to a traditional vacation,” said Wendy Northcross, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and Facilitator for the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force . “This optimism is supported by our recent traveler sentiment survey. The volume and pace of this summer is expected to differ from prior summers, but 67% of our opt-in visitor database is reporting they are likely to visit the Cape this year.” The Chamber is the region’s tourism council, which promotes Cape Cod and the Islands to visitors from around the world.

Read more: Cape Cod Reopening Task Force Offers Reactions to Governor Baker’s Reopening Plan

Brewster Cumulative Cases: 122 (95 In Long-Term Care Facilities)

The Brewster COVID-19 Cases bar graph represents the number of positive cases calculated on a weekly basis since the first case was discovered in Brewster on March 13, 2020. The data is separated into two categories consisting of Brewster residents and Brewster Long Term Care Facilities (includes patients and staff who reside in Brewster). Previous case counts for Long Term Care Facilities were attributed to patients only. This data comparison will be updated on a weekly basis to chart our community progress in the months ahead.

 
 
 

Town Establishes Brewster COVID Relief Fund

In an effort to help coordinate local fundraising and philanthropic efforts to provide direct and essential support to Brewster residents whose health and well-being are most immediately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the Town has established the Brewster COVID Relief Fund. This fund will focus on meeting the basic needs of our residents during these challenging times. The Town will begin accepting applications in the very near future, and will provide eligibility information about this confidential program at that time. Once applicants are determined to be eligible, a new Brewster COVID Relief Fund Committee will make funding decisions, with all payments made directly to the appropriate vendor. We encourage residents and businesses to donate to the fund if you are able, knowing that your donation will go directly to a neighbor in need. Donations are tax deductible.

If you are interested in serving on the Brewster COVID Relief Committee, please contact Robin Young in the Select Board/Town Administrator's office at 508-896-3701 x 1100 or email your resume, a brief history of your work and/or volunteer activities, and a completed Serve Your Community form to ryoung@brewster-ma.gov.

Cape Cod Reopening Task Force Unveils ReopeningCapeCod.org

Cape Cod Reopening Task Force Unveils ReopeningCapeCod.org

Website to Provide Information to Public as Summer Season Begins

Cape Cod – The Cape Cod Reopening Task Force unveiled a new website this week:www.ReopeningCapeCod.org.The site serves as a one-stop location for residents, businesses, employees, municipalities, and visitors to the region.

The website contains updates on health data relevant to Barnstable County, industry specific guidance from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and information from 19 local industry-specific sub-working groups. Safe workplace standards, operating guidance, relief resources, and educational materials are available for business owners, employees, and municipal managers as they adjust their workplaces to mitigate the risk of viral transmission. Expectations for visitors and seasonal residents developed by task force members and local health leaders are also hosted on the website.

“ReopeningCapeCod.org will help ensure that access to accurate information is consistently shared with everyone in the region,” said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), Member and Public Information Officer for the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force. “For this summer to be safe for Cape Codders, everyone – whether it be year-round residents or visitors who may not be as familiar with our municipal boundaries and authorities – needs to take responsibility for themselves and their families by abiding by the guidance from state and local officials.”

The Task Force will also provide public situational reports to keep Cape Cod residents and visitors informed of its activities. These reports will include the latest public health data points and guidance from the state government, as well as updates on the Task Force’s activities and detailed near-term objectives. The Task Force publishes these situational reports twice weekly.

“The public deserves to have access to the Task Force’s work and confidence that the process of crafting regional reopening guidance has been as collaborative and inclusive as possible,” said State Representative Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown), Member of the Task Force.

The Cape Cod Reopening Task Force is accepting comments from the public as it conducts its work. It has recorded over four hundred public comments from seasonal and year-round residents of the region to date. These are reviewed and presented to the membership at regular intervals. www.ReopeningCapeCod.org features an additional portal for the public to submit.

www.ReopeningCapeCod.orgwill be updated regularly in the coming months as the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force convenes and as statewide guidance from the Baker-Polito administration is disseminated.

Task Force Launched to Reopen Cape Cod Safely

(CAPE COD) A region-wide task force has been assembled to develop strategies for reopening Cape Cod once it is safe to do so. The Cape Cod Reopening Task Force is led by the Cape & Islands Legislative Delegation, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, and Barnstable County, with participation from Cape Cod Healthcare, municipal officials, first responders, community leaders, and others.

The goal of the Task Force is to pursue a safe and structured approach to reopening commercial and social activities on Cape Cod. Through its work, the Task Force will coordinate authorities and entities across Cape Cod to provide one consistent message to the region’s year-round residents, seasonal residents, second home-owners, summer workers, and visitors; such coordination will both advance public health and promote economic vitality when we are able to reopen.

Brewster Town Administrator, Peter Lombardi, is a member of this regional task force.

Read more: Task Force Launched to Reopen Cape Cod Safely

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