New Covid cases continue to increase

New Covid-19 cases have reached another summer high in town.

In its latest report, the state’s Department of Public health confirmed 139 cases in town over the past two weeks — the highest new case case count since early April, when the town was classified as “yellow” per the state’s Covid-19 risk reporting. 

According to state data, Dartmouth had a 14-day average daily incidence rate of 26.8 per 100,000 people and a 5.46% positivity rate.

With the ongoing surge, health officials recommend that unvaccinated residents get their shots.

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. 

As of Sept. 9, the state reports that 57% of Dartmouth residents have received at least a first vaccination dose. That amounts to 21,015 people. 

More than half of all residents — 51% — are fully vaccinated against the virus.

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.

In-home vaccinations can be scheduled by calling 833-983-0485, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. English and Spanish speaking staff are on hand, and have access to translators for over 100 languages. In-home vaccinations are performed by medical professionals following public health guidelines, and tailored to the needs of the patient.

Vaccinations are performed using the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, except for those ages 12 to 17, who would be offered the Pfizer vaccine. Scheduling is based on location, rather than on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 4,211 coronavirus cases in Dartmouth and 55 virus-related deaths.