FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Barnstable County Administration urging travelers from New York City Metropolitan area (CT, NJ, NY) to self-isolate

Barnstable, MA – Thursday, March 26, 2020 – During this COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, Barnstable County Administration is asking persons traveling from COVID-19 “hot-spot” areas (including from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) to Cape Cod to voluntarily self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days upon arrival.

This request does not apply to:

Persons who are traveling to provide and carry out COVID-19 essential services;

Persons who are traveling to care for elderly persons, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons; and

Persons who are traveling to and from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and other related services; and

This voluntary self-quarantine, out of an abundance of caution, recognizes that New York City is the current epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, with more than 15,000 confirmed cases in New York City alone. Self-isolation for 14 days will help curb the spread of the disease in Barnstable County and lessen the stress on our critical infrastructure, including First Responders, hospitals, and healthcare providers.

Non-residents are encouraged to consider returning to their full-time residences. We strongly urge new arrivals to take special steps to distance themselves when buying groceries or undertaking other essential activities in our community; many local stores offer food and essential items delivered directly to your home. Please practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoid group gatherings, monitor your health, and contact your healthcare provider should you feel ill.

For more information about testing and how to protect yourself and others from this highly contagious disease, please visit:

https://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/

https://www.barnstablecounty.org/

https://www.capecodhealth.org/

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