Dartmouth remains 'yellow' as cases lower

Apr 23, 2021

Coronavirus cases are continuing to decline in Dartmouth as all residents 16 and older can book vaccination appointments.

This week, the town’s Board of Health reported 43 new cases of the virus — down from 63 the previous week.

According to state data, Dartmouth had a 14-day average daily incidence rate of 22.3 per 100,000 people and a 2.89% positivity rate in the two weeks ending April 22.

Dartmouth is still classified “yellow” per the state’s guidelines — the same category the town has fallen into since Feb. 18.

To revert to “green,” Dartmouth must have a daily incidence rate fewer than 10 per 100,000 people.

The state also reports six positive student cases in Dartmouth’s public schools for the third week in a row.

On April 5, elementary schools saw all grade levels return to the classroom full time. Middle schoolers are expected to return fully on April 28.

Meanwhile, UMass Dartmouth reported 10 new cases this past week — 0.81% of the 1,228 tested.

At the Bristol County House of Correction, the state reports zero new cases among inmates and staff. 

So far, 233 inmates and 204 staff have gotten their first vaccination doses as of April 15 — meanwhile, 606 inmates and 355 staff have refused to get their shots.

Everyone over the age of 16 who lives, works or studies in Massachusetts is now eligible to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Vaccinations continue at the clinic being operated by Southcoast Health at the VF Outlet, though the vaccine supply is dependent on the state and could vary from week to week.

Those interested in getting vaccinated at the VF Outlet can now sign up as slots are available either through their MyChart account or at www.southcoast.org/covid-19-vaccine-scheduling, which does not require a MyChart account.

Residents who are older who do not have access to a computer, and who may need assistance accessing the clinic, should contact the Dartmouth Council on Aging at (508) 999-4717.

As of April 23, Massachusetts has an estimated 31,215 active Covid-19 cases, with 17,168 coronavirus-related deaths reported since the pandemic began.

There have been 636,476 total confirmed cases in the commonwealth thus far, representing 9.2% of the population.

So far, 2,136,135 people in Massachusetts have been fully vaccinated.