Covid-19 is a brand-new disease with many unknowns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites a lack of data on special risks for pregnant women and infants, but with […]
Health & Healthcare
MENTAL HEALTH
Professionals Tell Parents, ‘Learn to Let Go’
Families and caregivers need to prepare for a marathon, not a sprint
Four weeks into school closures, parents and kids are struggling with disrupted routines, financial stress, and health concerns, and there are no easy answers. “We are all in uncharted territory,” […]
PANDEMIC
WOMR’s John Perrone, 70, Dies of Covid-19
The popular host of the radio show 'Night Shift'
PROVINCETOWN — John Perrone, 70, whose passion for and knowledge of Motown attracted fans from all over world, died of the novel coronavirus on April 5, 2020, the same day […]
CORONAVIRUS
Task Force Organizes Volunteers in Provincetown
The aim is to build capacity for unexpected needs
PROVINCETOWN — The Ptown Covid-19 Task Force came together a month ago as a channel for volunteer energy to help deal with the coronavirus. The pandemic creates challenges across many […]
CASES
Two Patients With COVID-19 Describe Their Ordeals
From frightening diagnosis to compassionate community support
As the number of new COVID-19 cases grows daily and the Outer Cape braces for the coming wave of severe illness, now expected to peak in mid-April, two local residents […]
PANDEMIC
Health Center Funds Dwindle as Patients Stay Home
OCHS puts losses at $1 million per month
PROVINCETOWN — No clinical services to patients have been canceled since Outer Cape Health Services last week furloughed or laid off nearly half its staff because of lost revenue caused […]
PANDEMIC
OCHS Faces Fiscal Strain in Virus Crisis
Hours reduced, and closing one clinic may be necessary
WELLFLEET — Outer Cape Health Services must reduce its hours and possibly close one of its three clinics at least temporarily because of the financial pressure imposed on the organization […]
HEALTH
An Isolation How-to
Social distancing is hard, but it’s not forever
As cases of COVID-19 begin to be diagnosed in our towns, Cape residents are taking social distancing seriously. “We’ve been really rigorous about it. No play dates. No socializing with […]
DISPATCHES
Postcards From the Pandemic
Personal reports from around the world to the Outer Cape
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have truly become, despite all the fear and barriers, a global family. Near or far, we are facing the same risks and many of the […]
SOCIAL SERVICES
Who to Call if You Need Help
There’s a network of support for those in need
PROVINCETOWN — Both the lives and finances of many on the Outer Cape have been rapidly undone by the coronavirus. With movement restricted and the economy at a halt, new […]
CORONAVIRUS
Truro Native Offers Perspective From China
Fever clinics, not herbs, help a country turn the corner
TRURO — Thomas Garran has left his apartment complex in Beijing only three times in the last two months. Those times he did leave, he had his temperature taken upon […]
THE PANDEMIC
Cape Works to Meet Growing Need for Coronavirus Testing
The supply of tests remains scarce; hospital capacity is limited
Updated at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. PROVINCETOWN — Outer Cape Health Services will test patients for the coronavirus, but they must first call one of the OCHS health clinics […]
COVID-19 Q & A
Answers About the Virus From Medical Experts
The Independent asked some commonly heard questions of medical authorities this week. Here are their answers. Is the severity of the situation being overblown? “No. This is an incredibly serious […]
HEALTH
Navigators Help Police Deal With Crisis Calls
Mental health and substance abuse are most pressing issues
Last year, 600 to 700 calls to the Wellfleet Police Dept. resulted in police reports. Of those, half involved mental health or substance abuse issues. Providing crisis intervention is now […]
HEALTH
Cape Prepares, Though Virus May Not Spread Quickly Here
Take the same preventive measures as for colds and flu
With recent cases in Rhode Island and Washington state, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will eventually reach us. “It’s not a matter of if this comes to Cape Cod, it’s a matter […]
