COVID-19 Update 18

To: Residents of Aquinnah

From: Board of Health

Date: May 10, 2021

COVID-19 update #18

cases - The number of covid cases is decreasing on Martha’s Vineyard however, there are new cases reported daily. The Island-wide case numbers are reported in the MV Times.

masks - Once people are outdoors and apart from others, they can remove their masks. Please note, the Aquinnah Board of Health still requires masks in outdoor areas where people tend to congregate such as, walking trails, parking lots and at the Shops.

test kits - The Board of Health is distributing COVID-19 test kits. Pick-up at Town Hall. No payment or insurance required. Email: boh-assistant@aquinnah-ma.gov or call: 508-645-2309

rapid-response test kit – results in 20 minutes - method: saliva collection

mail-away test kit – lab report emailed to you in 3 days - method: saliva collection includes pre-paid shipping label for FedEx 2-day

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- about Aquinnah’s community-based testing

research – At the start of the Coronavirus Emergency, the Board of Health began to research and pursue testing opportunities. In June 2020, we began distributing at-home test kits that are highly accurate and easy-to-use. In addition, we now offer at-home rapid-response test kits.

funding - The Board of Health sought funding through FEMA’s Community-Based Test Site grant. Based on Aquinnah’s year-round population, FEMA allotted approximately $80,000 to the Town. 100% of funding was used to purchase test kits. About 500 test kits were distributed and about 200 remain in stock. Further funding is available if more test kits are needed.

contact tracing – The Board of Health signed up for the MADPH’s Contact Tracing Collaborative (CTC), a service provided by the State. In addition, if a resident appears on the MADPH covid list, they will receive a phone call from us; we check in to make sure everything is okay.

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MA vaccinations – People aged 16 and over who live, work or study in MA are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccinations on Martha’s Vineyard are available at the MV Hospital. Appointments must be made online: mvhospital.org/patients_and_visitor/covid-19-updates/

MA reopening plan - Governor Baker announced the start of Phase 4 Step 2 of the State’s reopening plan. For more information go to: mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts

MA gathering guidelines - private residences: 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors; event venues and public settings: 100 people indoors, 150 people outdoors