Number of Covid cases falls to single digits

May 15, 2021

The number of new Covid-19 cases in Dartmouth has fallen to the single digits again as nearly half of all residents — and 89% of those over 65 — have gotten a first vaccination shot.

This week, the town’s Board of Health reported nine new cases of the virus, the lowest number since September.

According to state data reported on May 13, Dartmouth had a 14-day average daily incidence rate of 13.3 per 100,000 people and a 2.29% positivity rate in the two weeks ending May 8.

Due to the five-day delay in reported data, the town is still classified as “yellow” despite this week’s drop — 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 14 new weekly cases as of May 11 at the beleaguered Southcoast Behavioral Health psychiatric facility on Faunce Corner Road, up from eight cases the previous week. 

Multiple employees and families of patients had previously expressed concerns with the facility’s handling of Covid-19 outbreaks there, although administrators have said they follow strict safety guidelines.

The town also reported four new cases in Dartmouth’s public schools this week, with three students and one staffer falling ill with the virus.

Meanwhile, UMass Dartmouth has yet to report this week’s numbers, although last week the university had seven new cases, representing 0.86% of those tested.

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

According to the state data, 17,637 Dartmouth residents — 48% of the population — have received at least one dose of the vaccine, while 38% of residents are fully vaccinated.

Although all those aged 16 and older became eligible for the vaccine in late April, thus far only 24% of Dartmouth residents aged 20-29 have gotten at least one shot.

Nearly nine out of ten residents aged 65 and older have received at least one dose, with 78% already fully vaccinated.

Vaccinations continue at the clinic being operated by Southcoast Health at the VF Outlet, with no appointments necessary.

Residents can also book appointments at the North Dartmouth Walmart by visiting www.walmart.com/covidvaccine.

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