Provincetown Issues Mask Advisory After Massive COVID-19 Cluster

PROVINCETOWN, MA — Provincetown town officials issued new mask rules for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people after more than 130 residents and tourists tested positive for the coronavirus.

The majority of those who tested positive were part of an outbreak of "breakthrough cases," which hit Provincetown during the 4th of July weekend. Breakthrough cases happen when people who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 contract the virus anyway.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, town officials during an emergency meeting Monday voted to advise people to wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status. Town officials also voted to advise clubs and music venues where social distancing isn't achievable to enforce vaccine verification prior to admittance.

"We're hopeful that with behavior changes and with time, we'll see some stability, but we just can't predict that yet," said Provincetown Town Manager Alex Morse.

Also read: Vaccinated Cape Tourist Felt 'Invincible' Before Getting COVID-19

All unvaccinated people, including children under 12, are also required to wear masks both indoors and outdoors when 6 feet of social distancing cannot be achieved.

Provincetown case data

As of Friday, town officials have confirmed 132 new coronavirus cases linked to the outbreak.

Of these cases, 89 are Massachusetts residents, and 39 are Barnstable County residents. Another 43 people who tested positive were tourists from out of state. Ninety-three percent of the cases were men, with the median age being 35.

Testing and vaccination

Town officials reminded the public that testing and vaccines are essential tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Morse also reiterated that COVID-19 vaccines are effective, and symptoms are less severe for those who are fully vaccinated.

Free testing is being offered at the Veterans Memorial Community Center parking lot at 2 Mayflower St. Testing is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., everyday through July 23. Vaccinations are also available at the community center Monday through Friday, this week.

Free testing and vaccinations are also available through Outer Cape Health Services in Provincetown. Individuals seeking testing and/or a vaccination can either call the OCHS Patient Access Center at 508- 905-2888 to schedule a test, or they can arrive at the Provincetown health center at 49 Harry Kemp Way and call 508-487-9395, ext. 1., from outside.

Barnstable County also holds weekly vaccine clinics on between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., on Thursdays at the Harborside Conference Room at the Barnstable County Complex in Barnstable Village. The clinics are free and open to everyone. Appointments can be made in advance at www.barnstablecountyhealth.org, and walk-ins are welcome.

The Pfizer vaccine is offered to anyone 12 and older, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available for those who are 18 and older. The next clinic will take place on Thursday, July 22.