Nantucket Cottage Hospital is closely monitoring the outbreak caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and working closely with local, state, and federal health officials, along with infection control and emergency management professionals across the Partners Healthcare system.

Local Risk Remains Low

As of February 28, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports there has been one confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in Massachusetts. The risk to residents in Massachusetts remains low.

Testing

As of February 28, Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory received approval to begin testing patients for COVID-19, in accordance with guidance from the CDC. Clinicians who have patients they think may have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 who meet the current CDC definition of a Person Under Investigation can contact DPH to discuss their patients and receive authorization to submit specimens for testing. Testing at the State Public Health Laboratory will speed up obtaining test results for Persons Under Investigation and expedite ongoing testing of any confirmed case in recovery. 

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