(April 6, 2020) A patient diagnosed with coronavirus has died at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, NCH officials said Monday morning.

The patient died Sunday, public-information officer Jason Graziadei said in a statement released by the hospital.

"A patient diagnosed with Covid-19 has died as a result of complications related to the disease at Nantucket Cottage Hospital on April 5, 2020. We want to express our deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of this patient," Graziadei said. While respecting patient confidentiality, we also want to convey that Nantucket Cottage Hospital is focused on providing the best care for every patient, following family wishes, and providing comfort care at the end of life if necessary."

"Today’s news should also serve as a somber reminder to the island community that we must continue to take this situation extremely seriously, take every precaution, and continue to adhere to the orders put in place by the Town of Nantucket to protect the island."

Since testing began, there have been 10 positive cases of coronavirus reported on Nantucket, with one of those patients hospitalized on the island and another transferred to a mainland facility for a higher level of care.

Two patients were also hospitalized at NCH and "under investigation for Covid-19," Graziadei said late Sunday afternoon.



As of late Sunday afternoon, 161 nasal swabs from Nantucket had been sent to state labs for testing. In addition to the 10 positive tests, 133 have come back negative and 18 are awaiting results.

No additional information was immediately available. The town health department is no longer providing any demographic information about patients who test positive, citing a directive from the state Department of Public Health. Hospital officials have also refused to release any information about those patients who test positive, citing privacy concerns.

Nantucket Cottage Hospital does not have an intensive-care unit and only eight ventilators. CEO Gary Shaw said earlier this week patients in need of acute respiratory care would be transferred to mainland hospitals if at all possible.

Mobile evaluation is available outside the hospital entrance off Prospect Street 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. daily The drive-through service is not a voluntary testing site. There are still not enough tests available nationwide for Nantucket Cottage Hospital – or any other in the state – to offer voluntary testing.

For that reason, hospital officials ask that people only come for evaluation who feel sick, and recommend calling the hospital first so they can provide guidance on what steps to take. The number is (508) 825-8100. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, sore throat, coughing, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, call ahead to NCH to receive instructions about how to arrive, hospital officials said.

Clinicians are not prescribing Z-paks, doing exams or caring for other problems. The evaluation site is only for patients experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, and patients will only be tested for coronavirus if they meet strict federal Centers for Disease Control criteria, Graziadei said. Those experiencing a medical emergency should call 911.

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