Fall Covid surge continues

Dec 9, 2021

New cases of Covid-19 are continuing to surge in Dartmouth.

The state’s Department of Public health confirmed 300 cases in town over the past two weeks — an increase of 100 from the state’s previous report.

According to state data, Dartmouth had a 14-day average daily incidence rate of 57.8 per 100,000 people and an 8.58% positivity rate.

The state also reported 50 cases across all six of Dartmouth’s public schools between Dec. 2 and 8 — 46 students and four staff members.

The last time the state reported 300 or more cases of Covid-19 in Dartmouth within a two week period was in January 2021, before vaccines were made more widely available.

As of Dec. 9, 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.

People aged 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.

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.

The Dartmouth Council on Aging will also host two booster shot vaccine clinics on Dec. 13 and 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bullard Wellness Center at the COA’s building located at 628 Dartmouth St.

Those attending are asked to wear a short sleeve shirt to expedite the process. Masks will be required.

To schedule an appointment, call the Center at (508) 999-4717.

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.