(March 22, 2020) Nantucket Cottage Hospital has received confirmation of the first positive case of the COVID-19 coronavirus on the island. The patient is isolated at home and monitoring their symptoms with our clinicians.

The patient was screened at Nantucket Cottage Hospital on Friday, March 20, and the test result was reported positive on Sunday, March 22, less than 48 hours later.

The patient will remain quarantined at home while we monitor their symptoms, and NCH together with the Town of Nantucket Health Department has initiated the process of tracing the patient’s contact with other individuals as well as NCH staff. Due to HIPAA regulations no further patient details will be shared by NCH.

“Nantucket Cottage Hospital is taking every necessary precaution to keep our patients and the island community safe,” said Gary Shaw, President and CEO of Nantucket Cottage Hospital. “We ask that community members continue to educate themselves about this unfolding situation, take it extremely seriously, and abide by all necessary safety measures including staying home, social distancing, hand-washing, and hygiene. We continue to urge all Nantucket residents to act with an abundance of caution, and stay home whenever possible to limit the spread of this virus. Our team at NCH is doing everything we can to care for our island during this challenging time, but we will need the help and support of every member of our community to limit the potential spread of this virus.”

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, sore throat, coughing, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, please call ahead to NCH to receive instructions about how to arrive.  The drive-through evaluation site at the main entrance of Nantucket Cottage Hospital is open daily, and this service is intended for patients experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness. It is not a voluntary testing site, and if you are well, please do not come and ask to be tested. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.