Brewster Cumulative Cases: 1274 (1074 residents, 200 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. Click here for a chart of cases by date.
The Brewster Town Offices are available by email and phone Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4pm and are open to the public Tuesday through Thursday. Inspectional services are available, click here for more 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:
Coronavirus Prevention
There are actions you and your family can take to protect yourselves from the coronavirus:
COVID Vaccination Sites as of 8/1/2021
Tips to make COVID-19 isolation and quarantine easier | Mass.gov
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.
COVID-19 isolation and quarantine information | Mass.gov
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
The Federal Government has launched a website for Americans to order at-home rapid Covid-19 testing kits. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home Covid-19 tests. The tests are completely free.
Please use the link below to order your kits:
COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests
“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.
BOSTON (December 4, 2021) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that genetic sequencing has identified the COVID-19 Omicron variant for the first time in a case in Massachusetts. The individual is a female in her 20s and a resident of Middlesex County who traveled out of state. She is fully vaccinated, has experienced mild disease, and did not require hospitalization. The variant was identified through sequencing performed at New England Biolabs.
While Omicron is classified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization as a Variant of Concern, scientists are still working to determine how it may compare with the predominant Delta variant in terms of transmissibility and disease severity. There is some limited evidence that Omicron could be more transmissible than other COVID-19 virus variants, including Delta. This variant is being monitored closely by public health authorities around the world, and more information about what we know about Omicron is available on the CDC website.
All three COVID-19 vaccines in use in the U.S have been shown to be highly protective against severe disease resulting in hospitalization or death due to known COVID-19 variants and remain the single best way for people to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community from COVID-19. There are over 1,000 locations across the Commonwealth to get vaccinated or receive a booster. The vaccine is free, and no ID or insurance is required for vaccination. Visit vaxfinder.mass.gov for a list of vaccination locations.
Other public health prevention measures that help stop the spread of COVID-19 variants include: getting tested and staying home if you are sick, frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer, following masking requirements, and telling your close contacts if you test positive for COVID-19 so they can take appropriate steps. To learn more about protecting yourself from COVID-19, visit www.mass.gov/covidvaccine.
Residents are also urged to enable MassNotify on their smartphone. The service can be accessed through both Android and iPhone settings; it is NOT an application that can be obtained through an app store. This private and anonymous service notifies users of a potential exposure to COVID-19 so they may take the appropriate precautions. For more information and instructions on enabling MassNotify on your smartphone, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-more-about-massnotify.
The State Public Health Laboratory, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and several hospital and academic laboratories have all contributed to sequencing efforts in Massachusetts during the pandemic. This sequencing data contributes to the tracking of clusters and patterns of disease spread. This in-state laboratory capacity to sequence variants allows Massachusetts to not have to rely on out-of-state laboratories.
TEST CLINICS
Massachusetts Stop the Spread drive-thru testing site at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, 21 West Main Street Hyannis, MA 02601.
Free PCR testing and Walk-Ins welcome
Mondays: 9AM -1PM
Tuesdays: 1PM – 6PM
Wednesdays: 9AM-1PM
VACCINATION CLINICS
MA Department of Public Health Vaccination Clinics at Cape Cod Community College, 2240 Iyannough Road West Barnstable, MA 02668
Sundays: 12PM – 6PM
Tuesdays: 8AM – 2PM
Thursdays: 8AM – 2PM
Register at: COVID-19 Vaccine Availability | Mass.gov
Visit COVID-19 booster frequently asked questions for information about boosters.
Latest Numbers
Who to Vaccinate this Week
What to Know this Week
NewPfizer COVID-19 vaccine authorized by FDA and CDC for children ages 5-11 years
On November 2, 2021, CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that children 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine.
On 10/29/2021, the FDA amended Pfizer-BioNTech’s Emergency Use Authorization to allow the vaccine to be administered to children ages 5 to 11 years. FDA resources are available at:
BOSTON (December 10, 2021) — Following newly updated recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health today announced that all adolescents ages 16 and 17 are able get their Pfizer COVID booster if they are at least 6 months post their initial Pfizer vaccination series.
Adolescents ages 16 and 17 are able to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 booster from more than 500 locations in Massachusetts including at retail pharmacies, primary care practices, regional collaboratives, local boards of health, community health centers, hospital systems, state-supported vaccination sites and mobile clinics.
Options for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment:
Visit www.mass.gov/covid19booster for more information or visit the CDC website here.
Vaccines are widely available across the Commonwealth. Getting vaccinated remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and free. Individuals do not need an ID or health insurance to access a vaccine and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a vaccine.
Massachusetts leads the nation in vaccine administration, including adolescent vaccination. Over 91% of residents ages 5+ have received at least one dose, and 96% of adults (18+) have received at least one dose. Over 4.9 million individuals, 71% of the population, are fully vaccinated.
Pfizer COVID-19 Booster shots are now available to:
To view more information from the CDC, please click here.
If you are eligible, here are the steps to find a convenient location for getting a Pfizer COVID-19 Booster:
Vaccines are widely available across the Commonwealth. Getting vaccinated remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community. Fully vaccinated residents should receive a COVID-19 booster shot when they are eligible and as vaccines are authorized by the CDC. The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free. Individuals do not need an ID or health insurance to access a booster and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a booster. Additional information on the COVID-booster, including FAQs, can be found at Mass.gov/COVID19booster.
Individuals can check if they are eligible for a booster using the eligibility tool at mass.gov/BoosterCheck.
As more information becomes available on booster vaccines for individuals who have received either the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccine, the MA Department of Public Health will provide updated information.
Quick Links to Local COVID Vaccine Distributors
Barnstable County Health Department (Covid-19 helpline 774-330-3001)
www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/vaccine-information
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
COVID-19 Vaccine Availability | Mass.gov
CVS Pharmacy: www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
(Orleans, Harwich, Dennis, Yarmouth)
Walgreens Pharmacy: www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine_landing_schedule
(Orleans, Dennis, Yarmouth)
December 1, 2021 (Barnstable, MA) – Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment has announced that its next two COVID-19 vaccine clinics, scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 2nd and Thursday, December 9th are now FULL.
While Barnstable County typically welcomes same-day onsite registration at clinics to maximize vaccine accessibility for the greatest number of participants, walk-in appointments will be minimal going forward due to high demand. Registered participants, as well as older adults and people with disabilities who have limited access or lack the ability to utilize online registration will be given priority. All others are urged to consider registering for upcoming clinics taking place on December 16th and after the New Year. Registering ahead of time at www.barnstablecountyhealth.org is the best way to guarantee an appointment.
ABOUT 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 Barnstable County residents.
Effective August 10, 2021, all Town staff and visitors, fully vaccinated or not, are STRONGLY ADVISED to wear masks or face coverings when indoors at any public Town of Brewster building or facility until further notice. Outdoor activities are currently not considered higher risk for the spread of COVID, and therefore, masks in outdoor settings is not recommended unless individuals will be in close proximity to non-family or non-work cohorts for an extended period of time.