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Letter from the Island Boards of Health

Posted on: April 20, 2021 - 2:28pm

Stay Strong: Not Time To Quit

In late March, the Vineyard, Cape Cod and Nantucket all experienced a significant increase in the number of daily COVID-19 cases.  The Vineyard had more cases in the last week of March (47) than the previous three weeks total (23).  The upward trend in case count continues as this reminder is finalized.

The Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury and West Tisbury Boards of Health urge you to adhere to best COVID-19 prevention practices. This is not the time to let your guard down. Please remember:

  • Wear a properly fitting face mask in public, on jobsites, in work vehicles and when traveling or gathering with anyone other than immediate family.  
  • Maintain 6 feet distancing from others not in your immediate family or household.
  • Ventilate cars, vehicles and enclosed space as much as possible to exchange air frequently.
  • As soon as you, a friend, or family member recognize early symptoms similar to a cold or flu you must self quarantine (separate from family, friends and coworkers) and get tested.
    • Symptoms are: Sore throat, Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea
  • Avoid Risk! Do not enter businesses, establishments or homes that do not adhere to best practices or do not follow safety precautions,
    • If it feels or looks risky or unsafe, walk away and notify the town health department.
  • Follow the travel quarantine guidelines closely and get tested on your return to the Vineyard.
    • Non-essential travel out of the state or country to high-risk areas or events should be avoided.  We must avoid bringing a variant to our community or allowing it to establish and spread.
  • Wash your hands frequently and cover sneezes with your elbow or tissue.
  • GET VACCINATED WHEN YOUR TURN COMES!!

IMPORTANT: We understand the sacrifices many have made, including the financial hardship faced after becoming positive or being a contact. We want to thank everyone who has remained vigilant, followed the protocols and gotten vaccinated when permitted. 

BUT we are experiencing a serious surge and we must not let our guard down or assume this is over. It’s not. COVID is still here and there are dangerous variants spreading throughout the country.   

Let’s stay the course.  Follow these prevention measures and we will achieve  reduced infection and illness and ensure widespread immunity. Prevention is the road back to a new normal. Together, we can get there quicker and safer.

Thank you.