Covid spikes in Dartmouth’s schools, cases lower overall in town

Oct 15, 2021

For the third week in a row, new cases of Covid-19 are on the decline in town, but cases in Dartmouth’s schools are on the rise following the holiday weekend.

The state’s Department of Public health confirmed 136 cases in Dartmouth over the past two weeks — down from the 145 in the state’s previous weekly report.

According to state data, Dartmouth had a 14-day average daily incidence rate of 26.2 per 100,000 people and a 4.55% positivity rate.

The state also reported 24 cases in Dartmouth’s public schools between Oct. 7 and 13 — 22 students and two staff members. Last week, the state reported only 11 total cases in the school district.

As numbers of cases are lowering, Dartmouth’s vaccination rate remains on the rise.

As of Oct. 14 the state reports that 59% of Dartmouth residents have received at least a first vaccination dose. That amounts to 21,799 people. 

More than half of all residents — 53% — are fully vaccinated against the virus. 

People aged 12 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 12 to 17 can only get the Pfizer vaccine. 

Appointments and walk-ins remain available at the former Circuit City Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 2 to 7 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit vaxfinder.mass.gov.

The state has also set up a call center for those who are unable to access the vaccine appointment website or who have trouble navigating the complex online system.

Residents can also get a shot at CVS at 548 Dartmouth St., Stop & Shop at 25 Faunce Corner Road, and at Southcoast Health clinics or its wellness van.

Those with compromised immune systems can receive a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine through Southcoast Health.

Third doses are offered at 49 State Road in Dartmouth on Wednesdays. Patients can also get a dose at Truesdale Health on President Avenue in Fall River on Tuesdays, and Rosebrook Southcoast Physician Services on Rosebrook Way in Wareham on Thursdays.

Immunocompromised residents interested in getting their third shot can sign up through their MyChart account or by visiting www.southcoast.org/covid-19-vaccine-scheduling.

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

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 4,610 coronavirus cases in Dartmouth and 55 virus-related deaths.