Covid numbers slightly improving in Dartmouth

Dec 27, 2021

Covid case numbers are dropping slightly in Dartmouth as about 200 more people have received their vaccinations in the past two weeks, according to state data. 

The state’s Department of Public Health confirmed 366 cases in town over the past two weeks — a decrease of 13 from the state’s previous report.

The previous reported two-week case number of 379 represented the highest total since January.

According to state data, Dartmouth had a daily average incidence rate of 70.5 per 100,000 people and a 9.09 % positivity rate.

Dartmouth schools reported 60 positive cases among students and 11 positive cases among staff members.

This represents a significant jump from last week’s report of zero cases in Dartmouth’s public schools.

Due to the ongoing surge across the commonwealth, Gov. Charlie Baker has advised that all Massachusetts residents, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in indoor public spaces.

As cases remain on the rise, local and state officials are encouraging residents to get their vaccines and continue to adhere to state and federal health guidelines in order to minimize the case surges.

“Vaccination continues to be the most effective tool we have against Omicron and all Covid-19 variants,” said Acting DPH Commissioner Margret Cooke. “The data indicates that fully vaccinated and boosted individuals are well protected from severe outcomes of Covid-19, including hospitalization and death, and the Department of Public Health strongly urges all residents to get vaccinated and, when appropriate, get a booster.”

People ages 5 or older who live, work or study in Massachusetts are eligible to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Those over the age of 18 can sign up to receive any vaccine, but those ages 5 to 17 can only get the Pfizer vaccine.

As of Dec. 23, 64% of Dartmouth residents have received at least a first vaccination dose. That amounts to 23,620 people. More than half of all residents — 56% — are fully vaccinated against the virus. That translates to 20,886 people.

Those eligible for the vaccine can find appointments at providers around the state using the state’s website vaxfinder.mass.gov.

Vaccinations also continue at the clinic being operated by Southcoast Health at the VF Outlet. Clinics will be operated Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Patients can book their shots by signing up through their MyChart account or by visiting www.southcoast.org/covid-19-vaccine-scheduling.

Residents are eligible to get a booster six months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two months after receiving the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Centers for Disease Control recommendations allow for mixing and matching of different booster doses.

The Covid-19 vaccine is free, and individuals do not need insurance or an ID to get the vaccine.