3 / 12 / 2021

Statement from Gary A. Shaw, President and CEO of Nantucket Cottage Hospital, on Recent COVID-19 Surge

(March 12, 2021) This morning we reported to the public COVID-19 case data that indicates the Island is experiencing a surge in cases. Our 7-day positivity rate is now 7.1% with cases climbing over the last several days. According to contact tracing data these cases are primarily the result of travel and the Island’s increasing positivity rate is truly concerning.

It is an understatement that no surge in cases is welcome. We must also recognize we are going to be particularly vulnerable in the coming weeks as the number of individuals on Nantucket climbs dramatically. If the surge is not controlled it is not inconceivable that measures taken last year to stop the spread be reconsidered by DPH, the Town, and our Board of Health. Bells are ringing that we might listen and reflect on curbing behaviors that spread the virus.

Looking back on the COVID 19 impacts over the past year, it is easy to recognize the massive changes that have taken place due to the emergence of the virus. Words simply cannot express the personal sacrifices, loss, and anxiety many of us have endured and continue to experience. (more…)

12 / 17 / 2020

Nantucket’s First COVID-19 Vaccination

Early this morning, Emergency Department Physician Assistant Maria Carey became the first person to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Nantucket Cottage Hospital. This is a monumental day in our fight against the pandemic. The vaccine is the most important intervention that will help us bring COVID-19 under control and get us back to normal. Over the next few days we will vaccinate our first 40 staff members and will continue holding employee vaccination clinics until all staff who want to be vaccinated are able to do so. We want to thank the team that has pulled together to begin providing vaccinations to staff, and all of you for your perseverance over the past 10 months. We still have work to do and we must remain vigilant, but today is time to celebrate this important step in bringing the pandemic to an end.

12 / 16 / 2020

COVID-19 Vaccines Arrive on Nantucket

December 16, 2020 – They’re here! The first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine arrived on Nantucket this morning. Tomorrow we will begin vaccinating frontline NCH staff members most closely involved in COVID-19 patient care and testing. Today is a monumental day in our fight against the pandemic. The vaccine is the most important intervention that will help us bring COVID-19 under control and get us back to normal.

8 / 5 / 2020

Ways to Watch: Boston Pops for Nantucket

Saturday, August 8th at 7:00 p.m.



We’ve been working hard to create a free, celebratory broadcast of the Boston Pops for Nantucket to celebrate Nantucket Cottage Hospital and the heroes among us within our island community. We hope you’ve marked your calendars for this special program.

Ways to Watch:


5 / 12 / 2020

Hospital Thrift Shop Update – May 2020

(May 11, 2020) Today was supposed to be Opening Day 2020 at the Hospital Thrift Shop, but there is no line on India Street today! It’s a sad day and we are missing the opening day tradition and seeing all of you. A special shoutout to all our loyal volunteers, shoppers, and donors. Although Opening Day 2020 had to be postponed, stay tuned for updates. After 90 years in business, the Hospital Thrift Shop will adapt and will continue to serve the Nantucket community moving forward. With your patience and support, we are looking forward to our 91st year in business. Keep up-to-date with the Thrift Shop by visiting HospitalThriftShop.org