Editor’s note: In the Aug. 6 print edition of the Independent the Well Line’s phone number was incorrect. The correct number has been substituted below. WELLFLEET — “We all have to go […]
Health & Healthcare
THE NEW NORMAL
Wait Time for Covid Test Results Presents Challenge
Screening efforts are increasing, but cost and speed matter
PROVINCETOWN — The goal is clear and workable: at some point, we’ll be able to systematically screen for coronavirus, identify asymptomatic carriers early, and effectively squelch community spread. What we […]
NO FREE LUNCH
Summer Food Program Takes a Hit From Covid-19
About 600 children go without lunch for a day
After a kitchen worker tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday, the region’s entire federally supported free lunch program, which spans Harwich to Provincetown, was shut down on Monday. Thirteen staffers […]
ADDICTION
Crystal Meth Surges in More Potent Form
The stimulant, ever popular in Provincetown, is spreading Cape-wide
PROVINCETOWN — Though crystal meth has long been a fixture in Provincetown’s drug scene, the rest of the Cape is experiencing its first big brush with the extremely addictive stimulant. […]
CORONAVIRUS
With Few Positives, Gaps in Reporting Remain
Visitors’ Covid test results are unavailable
WELLFLEET — There were no positive Covid-19 tests among the 987 people tested in Provincetown and Wellfleet during a two-day period in June, the Independent has learned. The tests, administered […]
OCHS Resumes Routine Appointments
PROVINCETOWN — Outer Cape Health Services, which operates urgent and primary care clinics in Provincetown, Wellfleet, and Harwich, is encouraging its primary-care patients to schedule routine health care appointments previously […]
HEALTH
How Much Is a Covid Test? Who Can Get One?
The answer, as usual: it’s complicated
PROVINCETOWN — Health care is rarely simple. The question of who can access it, where, when, and for how much often gets a conditional and specific answer that’s different for […]
COUNTY SEAT
Assembly Vote on Covid Rules Shows East-West Divide
The Outer Cape’s delegates, and Sen. Cyr, beg to differ
PROVINCETOWN — The Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates adopted a resolution on June 17 questioning the legality of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Covid-19 response. The Outer Cape’s delegates opposed the resolution, […]
DOG DAYS
Pandemic Is No Treat for the Four-Legged
While owners shelter at home, anxiety can be infectious
WELLFLEET — Though canines won’t be receiving a stimulus check, that doesn’t mean they haven’t been affected by the coronavirus crisis. Because of your dog’s acute ability to sense stress […]
ADDICTION
State Boosts Telehealth for Drug Therapy
Baker’s order makes treatment for substance abuse more accessible
Gov. Charlie Baker signed an executive order on March 15 expanding access to telehealth services for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis. His action has the potential to make Medication […]
REPORT-A-POTTY
Portable Toilet Businesses Are on a Roll
Cleaning is costly, but CARES funds should ease the burden
While much of the Cape economy is in the crapper due to coronavirus-related shutdowns and restrictions, porta-potty companies are flush. That’s because in a summer when Covid-19 has heightened fears […]
CORONAVIRUS
No Cases but Lots of Questions
Is it not here, or are we not finding it?
PROVINCETOWN — For four weeks now, Provincetown has detected zero new cases of coronavirus. Memorial Day weekend came and went. Phase two of the statewide reopening was announced; lodgings, retail […]
CORONAVIRUS
Early Test Results Look Good
But a negative test shouldn’t change behavior
WELLFLEET — The 449 free Covid-19 tests conducted at Outer Cape Health Services here on June 17 and 18 have so far showed zero positive results. Wellfleet’s clinic was one […]
THE NEW NORMAL
Contact Tracing Could Be a Challenge for Reopened Businesses
Self-isolation orders will affect employers, employees
PROVINCETOWN — The Outer Cape’s economy is opening back up. The streets are showing signs of life, as lodging, outdoor dining, and retail resume after a three-month hiatus. Workers and […]
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Out-of-State Arrivals Still Told to Lie Low
Gov. Baker’s 14-day quarantine is advisory, not an order
PROVINCETOWN — On March 27, Gov. Charlie Baker issued an advisory that travelers into Massachusetts from other states should self-quarantine for 14 days. At that time, New York State was […]
