Listen • 49:19
One year into the pandemic, the development of coronavirus vaccines has been the bright light. Not only were the vaccines developed far faster than first anticipated, but they are also safe and highly effective. The challenge now? Getting those vaccines into the arms of as many people as quickly as possible.
We talk with Cape and Islands State Senator Julian Cyr; Dr. David Tager, Chief Medical Officer at the Community Health Center of Cape Cod; and Sean O’Brien, Chief Health Officer and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Barnstable County about all things vaccine. Who is eligible, how to sign up to get the shot, and if you’ve had the vaccine, is it safe to visit with those who haven’t been vaccinated? Should you still wear a mask? We’ll cover it all and take your questions and comments about the vaccine.
Even though the Cape never got a state-sponsored Stop the Spread COVID-19 testing site, there are multiple local sites where asymptomatic people can get free testing.
(Note that insurance often pays for testing for people who have symptoms or who have been exposed to the novel coronavirus.)
Whole Health Pharmacy
The independently owned pharmacy at 596 W. Main St., Hyannis has been providing free PCR testing through a partnership with the federal government since May.
About two weeks ago, Whole Health doubled the number of test slots available on test days from 60 to 120, creating more opportunity for people to get same-day or next-day testing, said pharmacist/owner Karryn Lewis.
More COVID-19 testing sites are expected to come online next week as Outer Cape Health Services plans to double the testing hours at its Wellfleet and Provincetown locations and have another site up and running at its Harwich Port clinic.
Outer Cape Health Services expects to be able to offer free rapid tests for asymptomatic people by mid-week, CEO Patricia Nadle said Thursday during a press briefing by the Reopening Cape Cod Task Force.
Expanded testing on the Outer Cape, as well as Hyannis and Falmouth, is an attempt to address what state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, has called a “testing desert” on Cape Cod.
How to Book an Appointment for Reduced-Price COVID-19 Testing on Cape Cod capeandislands.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from capeandislands.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Appointment Information Available As Cape's New COVID Testing Sites Open capenews.net - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from capenews.net Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.