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 […]
Health & Healthcare
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 […]
VIRTUAL MEETINGS
Recovery Without Rooms
How to find healing fellowship in a time of isolation
For the past eight years, John has made coffee, opened doors, and greeted people as they entered the Wellfleet First Congregational Church for the weekly Saturday night Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. […]
HEALTH
The Doctor Is In, but Mostly Virtually
Questions and answers about how OCHS is coping
Outer Cape Health Services, the major provider of health care for the four Outer Cape towns, continues to operate its three clinics with reduced hours, staffing, and salaries, a result […]
WATER SAFETY
Swimming in the Pandemic: Fear and Reality
Coronavirus hell isn’t in the water — it’s other people
Scientists have reassuring news for Outer Cape residents and visitors who are worried about contracting coronavirus from swimming in ponds and in the ocean and Cape Cod Bay. There is […]
HEALTH
Open Enrollment Ends May 25
How to get help signing up for low-cost health insurance and care
After multiple extensions, open enrollment for health insurance is set to end on Monday, May 25. It’s not too late to get help with signups for health insurance, and people who […]
HEALTH
Covid, HIV, and Cancer: Mulling the Relative Risks
The immunosuppressed could be vulnerable, raising troubling questions
PROVINCETOWN — The novel coronavirus threatens us all — but not equally. Since the earliest days of the outbreak, scientists and ordinary people alike have hunted for information about who […]
HEALTH
Dentists on the Front Lines
‘Somebody has to do this’
Dentistry is one of the most high-risk professions when it comes to disease exposure, but Outer Cape dentists are still finding emergency work to sink their teeth into. Dr. Scott […]
AT THE VET
During Crisis, Fewer Options for Animal Care
No hugs for the humans
People with pets that need veterinary care will find limited services and new protocols in place at Outer Cape clinics during the Covid-19 crisis. Most of what’s new will feel […]
RESILIENCE REPORT
Brigades of Makers, Logicians, and Stitchers Advance the Mask Front
3D-printed, imported, and hand-sewn help for the cause
Chris Czekaj slept next to a 3D printer for the first two weeks of April. It wasn’t because he was lonely in isolation, but rather because he had volunteered with […]
PANDEMIC
Study Suggests Cape Is More Ready for Covid-19
Two hospitals’ capacity compares well to Boston’s in expected surge of patients
Health care facilities around the country are scrambling to deal with the influx of Covid-19 patients, but hospitals on Cape Cod are better off than most. A recent study by […]
