All 96 residents who were tested for Covid-19 on tiny Cuttyhunk island last week have received negative test results for the virus, temporarily alleviating fears of a wider outbreak in the smallest town in Massachusetts.
“We’re thrilled that 96 were negative,” said selectman Gail Blout, speaking to the Gazette by phone Wednesday. “It’s a huge turnaround for us.”
The negative tests come after eight individuals tested positive for the virus earlier in the month, sparking concerns that the virus may have silently spread among the close-knit Cuttyhunk community. A 97th test from Thursday was unable to be processed because of a test-tube leak, Ms. Blout said.
A state public health entourage that included three nurses and an epidemiologist arrived on the Island last Thursday to administer tests to anyone on the island who wanted one, including the elderly, residents with pre-existing conditions, and contacts of the previous individuals who had tested positive. The results came back over the weekend, and were announced to the Cuttyhunk community over email earlier this week.
In a message sent to Island residents, the town board of health, whose members are Ms. Blout and the two other selectman — Stewart Young and Sarah Berry — reiterated their message of staying careful. Church services, and two of the Island’s handful of restaurants, have shut down due to concerns about the virus.
“Going forward, it is important that everyone stay vigilant: WEAR MASKS, SOCIAL DISTANCE, AND SANITIZE,” the message read in part. “Keep up the good work.”
Cuttyhunk is the most remote, and only public island in the Elizabeth island chain, comprising most of the population of the town of Gosnold. It’s year-round population hovers in the teens, while the summer population is currently estimated at around 250 residents.
The town marina, which is often used as a stopping off point for Vineyard boaters and fishermen, remains open, although mandatory mask rules and social distancing guidelines are in place. The harbor has not closed while the comprehensive testing occurred.
“It’s important for people to realize the island was never closed, it was never shut down. And we welcome everyone here,” Ms. Blout said Wednesday.
A portion of the eight individuals who tested positive remain on-Island, although the original symptomatic patient — a female — is no longer on Cuttyhunk. Ms. Blout said that it was her understanding that the patients had all been released from public health monitoring.
“By this time, they would have gone through their self-isolation period,” Ms. Blout said. “As far as I know, they have.”
Ms. Blout said that while the 96 negative tests were “a big relief,” she emphasized that the past two weeks had been a particularly trying time, showing the strength of the Cuttyhunk community.
“The community has really stepped forward in a really positive way. Essentially everyone is wearing masks and social distancing, and we really have put that message out to everyone,” Ms. Blout said. “And no large parties.”
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