COVID cases are on the rise

Updated May 10

The number of COVID cases from Sunday, May 1, to Saturday, May 7, reached 101 — the first time they’ve reached triple digits during a week since the end of January. That’s 21 more cases than the previous week, and double the number of cases two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Monday’s case count reached 33 — the largest number of cases in a single day in months. Tuesday followed Monday’s high count with 29 reported cases. 

For the first time since mask mandates were lifted and new metrics from the Centers for Disease Control went into effect, the Island is at medium risk for the spread of COVID-19. “When a community is in the medium-risk category, CDC recommends that individuals at high risk for severe illness speak with their healthcare provider about whether they should wear a mask and take other precautions,” according to the Island boards of health.

The majority of the cases reported were through at-home tests during that period. However, the seven-day positive rate for PCR tests, which are the ones administered at the hospital, were 50 cases as of Tuesday. No hospitalizations were reported.

The recent uptick in cases prompted the Island boards of health to issue an advisory reminding people to take precautions to protect themselves.

“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against severe illness. In addition to the hospital, Health Imperatives (Family Planning) has vaccine appointments available. Appointments at M.V. Hospital can be scheduled through their website at mvhospital.org. Appointments at Health Imperatives can be scheduled by calling 508-693-1208,” the email states. “Masking remains an important consideration for those heading into crowded venues or situations, or circulating with those outside of their immediate family, particularly if they may have contact with individuals who are vulnerable or at risk of extreme illness. We recommend that people continue choosing indoor social events wisely to prevent potential exposure.”

During the warmer weather, health officials urge the public to open windows for ventilation.
Meanwhile, each board of health office has rapid home tests and high-quality masks available.

“If you are symptomatic, especially if you know you were exposed to someone else with COVID, you should isolate yourself from others and get tested,” the release states. “Please keep in mind that while rapid tests offer a huge advantage in combating the virus, they have limitations. For example, someone who tests negative should still take precautions such as mask wearing when with a person who is extremely vulnerable. Other considerations include:

• “Test if symptoms develop such as sniffles, sore throat, headache, achiness, and fatigue.
• “Test 2-3 days after exposure to a person with COVID.
• “When you have symptoms and an OTC test is positive, there isn’t a need to confirm the result with a lab-based test.
• “A rapid test will only post a positive result if viral loads are high. If an at-home test is negative, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear. If your symptoms persist or get worse, it’s a good idea to take another at-home test after a day or two. If the repeat at-home test is also negative, you should strongly consider getting a lab-based PCR test.”