Since Friday, September 25, Nantucket Cottage Hospital has reported 19 new cases of COVID-19 among patients who were tested at the hospital’s drive-through evaluation site. The seven-day positive rate for the island has increased to 4.3 percent.

Contact tracing and case investigation are underway, with close contacts of these individuals being referred for testing. The Nantucket Health Department reported that among these new cases is a cluster connected to a church gathering on the island.

This incident should serve as a reminder to the community to avoid large gatherings, and always wear a mask when out in public when physical distancing is not possible.

We urge island businesses and organizations to review their COVID-19-related safety protocols with their employees, and ensure that physical distancing and masking is enforced in areas such as break rooms or other locations where staff or members of the public are gathering. If any of your employees is experiencing symptoms, please refer them for evaluation at NCH and allow them to stay home from work.

Nantucket remains classified by the state of Massachusetts as a high risk (red) community for COVID-19 transmission, based on the average daily cases per 100,000 residents. To bring this current surge in new cases of COVID-19 under control, we will need the entire island to work together to keep cases down. We urge everyone in the community to stay vigilant:

1. Avoid crowds.
2. When you are in public, wear a mask.
3. Respect physical distancing of 6 feet in between you and other people.
4. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using hot water and soap. Use hand sanitizer.
5. Be responsible. If you have COVID-19-like symptoms or suspect you have been in contact with someone who tested positive, stay home and call your physician.