Public health notice: recommendations from health officials on Covid cases in Provincetown

BOSTON – Tuesday, July 20, 2021 – In response to the cluster of COVID-19 cases tracing back to Provincetown, the Boston Public Health Commission released today new guidelines for all Boston residents who have traveled to Provincetown during July and until further notice. As of July 19, 2021, at least 35 cases of COVID-19 among Boston residents have been traced to this group and the overwhelming majority of them have been fully vaccinated.

All residents of the City of Boston who have traveled to Provincetown since July 1, 2021 and until further notice:

• Get tested for COVID-19 at least 5 days after you return, regardless of vaccination status or symptoms
• Self-isolate and avoid groups or gatherings for at least 5 days and until you get a negative COVID-19 test, regardless of your immunization status

Close and sustained contact with other people indoors increases your risk of exposure to COVID. Although vaccinated people are highly protected against serious illness or hospitalization, it is still possible to contract COVID and pass it on to others.

COVID-19 test and COVID-19 vaccination remain widely available throughout the city of Boston. Regardless of vaccine status, BPHC asks everyone to remember to get tested and self-isolate if symptoms of COVID-19 infection develop, even if these symptoms are mild.

As we learn more about this cluster and how to live with COVID-19 circulating in our communities, BPHC is asking all residents to take these extra precautions to help quickly identify COVID-19 infections, prevent further spread. and protect vulnerable members of our communities. Help the city of Boston control the spread and encourage others to get vaccinated and tested.

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About the Boston Public Health Commission

The Boston Public Health Commission, one of the oldest health departments in the country, is an independent public body providing a wide range of health services and programs. It is governed by a seven-member board of health appointed by the mayor of Boston.

Public service and access to quality health care are cornerstones of our mission – to protect, preserve and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those who are most vulnerable. The Commission’s more than 40 programs are grouped into six offices: Child, Adolescent and Family Health; Community health initiatives; Homeless services; Infectious disease; Recovery services; and emergency medical services.