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Town COVID-19 Status Updates
Town of Sandwich COVID-19 Current Status
Town of Sandwich, MA- Town of Sandwich convened numerous meeting of the COVID 19 Command Team to discuss operations. The Command Team is comprised of the Fire Chief, Police Chief, Emergency Management Director, Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, School Superintendent, Director of Health and Public Health Nurse. See below for Recent News & Regional Coronavirus Info.
January 2021
Town of Sandwich, MA- Thank you to everyone in our community for patience, calm and continued commitment to social distancing.
Vaccine Information: Baker-Polito Administration Outlines Vaccination Plans for First Responders, Provide Vaccine Update
Please see below for important vaccine links & information.
- Press release https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-outlines-vaccination-plans-for-first-responders-provide-vaccine
- January 4, 2021 Press Conference (video) https://www.mass.gov/governor-updates
- COVID-19 Vaccine Locations for First Responders https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-locations-for-first-responders. Please note: 911 Dispatchers have been added to the first responder list.
- Vaccine Phase 2 Priority Group Adjustment: The Commonwealth updated its Vaccine Distribution plan so that individuals age 75+ are included in Phase 2, Group 1, along with individuals of all ages with 2+ comorbidities https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine#phase-2-.
- When Can I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine.. Please note: The webpage is updated frequently; please check back often.
- COVID-19 Daily Vaccination Dashboard https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting
- COVID-19 Vaccine e-mail address COVID-19-Vaccine-Plan-MA@mass.gov
The Town of Sandwich has been approved as the lead community for first responder inoculations provided through Phase 1 of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccination Program for public safety personnel in the Upper Cape towns of Sandwich Bourne, Mashpee and Falmouth and Joint Base Cape Cod’s fire department.
Read the full press release here.
Read Press Release #24
Read Press Release #25
Town of Sandwich Identified as a Provider of COVID-19 Vaccines
Last week the CDC through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) approved the provider agreement which allows Sandwich to patriciate in the CDC COVID -19 Vaccination Program. The agreement was reviewed and submitted through Public Health Nurse, Joanne Geake, and Town Physician, Dr. Ryan Bemis, MD allowing the Town to receive refrigerated or frozen vaccines. We do not have any further definitive information about the brand or quantity of vaccine the Town will receive or how we will be advised to distribute vaccines. For more information about the CDC Vaccination Recommendations please follow this link. We are incredibly encouraged that the CDC has identified our small community for early distribution and we are working hard to prepare our distribution strategy which is likely to be very similar to our flu clinics held this fall though our strategy will depend on the number of vaccines we receive and guidance received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts DPH and the CDC. Our Public Health Nurse is very busy following our growing number of COVID-19 cases and related contacts and we ask that you continue to check the Town’s COVID-19 page for more information and do not call for an appointment until you are advised.
2020 Influenza Prevention: Over the age of 65 Recommendations
If you are over the age of 65 either the high dose vaccine (Fluzone) and Flublok are highly effective and strongly recommended. High dose supplies are limited.
2020 Influenza Prevention is critically important for the 2020/2021 Influenza seasons. You may have read about limited supplies of the High Dose Flu vaccine this year. Director of Public Health, Dave Mason and Public Health Nurse, Joanne Geake, advise that this is not your only option. We have observed patients declining a vaccination if they cannot receive the high dose vaccine manufactured for patients over the age of 65. We encourage anyone over 18 to alternatively take the highly effective Flublok vaccine. Do not wait for high dose vaccine, it may be too late.
Town of Sandwich COVID-19 PSA Videos
The Town of Sandwich COVID-19 Command Team and Town Departments have produced a number of informational Public Service Announcement Videos (PSAs) to assist in conveying the status of the Town and other health information. Please see the most recent PSA below and visit our Sandwich COVID-19 PSA Videos Page to view all PSAs.
Town Modified Operations Update:
On Tuesday May 26, 2020 the Town of Sandwich began a modified opening of Town Departments. The Town Hall, Town Hall Annex, Public Works Administration and Jan Sebastian Drive Offices offer limited public service. Public Safety buildings will be open for limited public service. All other Town Buildings remain closed to the public. Please make every effort to conduct your business electronically and check our electronic or mail service options prior to considering in person service. Visit our Sandwich Online Town Services page for options. Your continued support and patience is sincerely appreciated.
Town of Sandwich: Doing Business Online
In accordance with Governor Baker’s phased plan to re-open the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Town of Sandwich has established a list of services which may be conducted on-line in an effort to encourage physical distancing and promote “safer at home.”
Please visit our Online Town Services page to learn more and do business online with us.
Various Sandwich Board and Committee meetings are available online to view either during the meeting by watching on our LIVESTREAM option on Sandwich Community Television (SCTV) or by viewing previously recorded meetings at any time on SCTV. Visit our Online Meeting Videos Page for more information. Audio Only files can also be found here.
In our ongoing efforts to limit the need for public interactions the Town of Sandwich will offer Beach and Transfer Station Sticker online or through the mail only. Please take advantage of either the Cape Cod Beach Sticker website or the mail in options. We will do our best to accommodate your requests electronically. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer! When you do visit us please be prepared for the social distancing and safety precautions and anticipate the possibility of longer than usual wait times.
Beach Stickers & Transfer Station Stickers online or by mail ONLY:
Beach and Transfer Station stickers can be purchased online at www.capecodbeachstickers.com Payments may be made with MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or AMEX. There is a 4.5% processing fee, or $1.50, whichever is greater. If you do not have access or to the online link you can complete this form and mail in as directed and a sticker can be mailed to you. http://www.sandwichmass.org/DocumentCenter/View/5936/2020-Beach-and-Transfer-Station-Sticker-Form?bidId=
PSA #11 (Second Wave) – One Year Anniversary of 1st COVID-19 Case in United States Marked by Vaccination Distribution and Continued Testing
Very informative discussion about progress with Phase 1 vaccinations including plans to complete vaccine distribution among all 27 congregate care facilities in Sandwich by weeks end. Learn more about planning for the Phase 2 over 65 population and continued testing in Town. We are not yet scheduling vaccinations but our Sandwich COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline - 774-413-0364 is staffed to answer questions.
PSA #10 (Second Wave) – Town of Sandwich COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline Staffed Beginning Tuesday, January 19th
Director of Public Health, David Mason and Chief John Burke report on cases, and discuss the COVID-19 Team bi-weekly analysis of case trends and assessment of public and school programming. Town of Sandwich COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline - 774-413-0364 will be staffed beginning Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from 9am-3:30pm. Staff will be available to answer questions but will not be scheduling vaccinations until such time as the vaccine is available for broader distribution.
Vaccine PSA with Sandwich Town Physician and Nurse
Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccination from Town Public Health Nurse Joanne Geake and Town Physician D. Ryan Bemis.
PSA #9 (Second Wave) – With sixty-two (62) positive cases reported in less than one (1) week the Town of Sandwich remains in the Yellow.
Director of Public Health, David Mason and Chief John Burke talk with Deputy Director of Emergency Preparedness, Chip Reilly about winter storm and emergency preparedness with a special focus on our vulnerable populations. We are finding more seasonal residents in Sandwich this winter year due to travel limitations and preference for our more rural environment and we encourage these residents to be prepared for the vagary of our Cape Cod climate. Chief Burke also reports on the Town’s preparation as a Phase 1 provider or emergency responder vaccinations early next week. Chief Burke cautions that this program is scheduled for Upper Cape municipal emergency response personnel only and will be tightly secured for safety. For more information about the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution plan please check here. Click here to watch PSA #9 on YouTube.
PSA #8 Second Wave – 2020 Ends with High Case Numbers and Pressure on Healthcare System.
Director of Public Health, David Mason and Chief John Burke report on increases in cases still reflective of Thanksgiving Holiday gatherings and not yet showing December Holiday gathering spread. The region is expecting an even higher caseload early in the New Year as December Holiday gatherings result in more spread and unsustainable pressure on our healthcare system. Regional test centers open – appointment required, call 508-534-7103. Please follow guidance be safe this holiday, keep gatherings to your immediate family members, wear your masks and look forward to a healthy New Year!
COVID -19 PSA #7: Second Wave – Holiday Greetings
Director of Public Elf, David Mason and Chief John Burke provide weekly update on cases and report on active planning for vaccinations for public safety personnel early in the New Year. Please be safe this holiday, keep your gatherings small, masks on and your spirits high.
COVID Conversations: Sandwich Resident Describes Experience with COVID-19, Hospitalization & Ongoing Health Impacts
Director of Public Health, David Mason conducts the second of two conversations with a COVID-19 Positive recovered case. As we watch our case levels continue to rise and hospitalization increase Mr. Mason talks with a Sandwich Resident hospitalized with COVID-19 last spring, experienced pneumonia in both lungs and continues to experience health impacts from the virus almost nine months after his diagnosis. We are very grateful to our community member Kevin Lasit for sharing his very difficult and ongoing experience. We encourage everyone to be safe this Holiday season.
PSA #6: Rising Cases, Pressures on the Healthcare System and Preparation for Vaccination Distribution
Chief Burke and Director of Public Health, David Mason provide an update on rising cases, pressures on the healthcare system and preparation for vaccination distribution. Public Library staff will be trained to support a direct phone line to be established for vaccine information and future scheduling. The community will be notified as soon as the information line has been established. Your continued patience is requested, please do not call the Public Health Nursing Department about COVID-19 vaccinations. Please do respond if the Town Nurse calls you. Our small and incredible staff is very busy working with a growing number of COVID-19 patients and contacts.
Click to View PSA #6 on YouTube
COVID Conversations: Sandwich Resident –Mid-20’s Continues to Struggle with COVID-19 Symptoms for Over 6 weeks.
As the highest growth rate of COVID-19 is among those ages 20-29, Director of Public Health, David Mason talk with a young , healthy and athletic resident who contracted COVID-19 this fall and continues to struggle with serious side effects. We are very grateful to our community member for her willingness to share her ongoing experience.
Practicing Preventative Measures
You can help by practicing social distancing and continuing preventative measures. We encourage residents to continue to take steps to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 respiratory virus by:
· Sustaining Social Distance
· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
· Cover your coughs and sneezes.
· Stay home if you are sick.
If you would like to help by making a donation to the Council on Aging to assist seniors with food or prescription insecurity, please send a check to made payable to the:
Council on Aging
COVID 19 response
Mail to - 270 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, East Sandwich, MA 02537
Please reach out to your elderly neighbors and others who may be in need.
IMPORTANT TESTING UPDATE:
**Testing Will ONLY be Provided with a Doctor’s Order! No Exceptions!!**
Cape Cod Healthcare to Partner with Barnstable County to Begin Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing with Doctor’s Orders
(Hyannis, MA – March 16, 2020) As of March 16, 2020, Cape Cod Healthcare, in partnership with Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, will provide drive-through COVID-19 coronavirus testing to patients with a doctor’s order from Cape Cod Healthcare. Testing will be held at Cape Cod Community College at 2240 Iyannough Road from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week initially...please click here to view FULL Cape Cod Healthcare Press Release.
See below for more info and Visit the Barnstable County Health and Environment Website for full details.
Instructions for Receiving COVID-19 Testing
1. Call your doctor. YOUR DOCTOR DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A DOCTOR IN THE CAPE COD HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.
2. Your doctor will screen you over the phone.
3. Your doctor will determine if you should be tested.
4. If the doctor determines you should be tested, they will fax your information and a prescription for testing to Cape Cod Healthcare.
5. Cape Cod Healthcare will then contact you to set up an appointment and provide instructions.
6. REMEMBER you must have an appointment to get tested or you will be turned away. There are NO EXCEPTIONS!
7. Finally, if you do not have a doctor, contact the Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care Center.
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PSA #10 (Second Wave) – Sandwich COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline Staffed Beginning Tuesday, Jan 19th
Director of Public Health, David Mason and Chief John Burke report on cases, and discuss the COVID-19 Team bi-weekly analysis of case trends and assessment of public and school programming. Town of Sandwich COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline will be staffed Read on... -
Local Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Visioning Survey
Sandwich 2030 What do you see? The Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) is a document designed to assist decision makers in determining the direction of Sandwich for the next five to ten years. The LCP Steering Committee is in the process of updating the Read on...