Falmouth Lifeguards Told To Keep Quiet On Coronavirus Results

FALMOUTH, MA — At least eight Falmouth lifeguards have tested positive for the coronavirus, and officials are concerned supervisors may have told lifeguards to keep their test results under wraps.

Town officials last weekend became aware that at least one lifeguard tested positive for the virus, Town Manager Julian Suso said. The lifeguards contracted COVID-19 after attending a party.

Following the positive tests, the Cape Cod Times obtained text messages between a beach supervisor and a lifeguard who contracted COVID-19. According to the texts, the supervisor asked the lifeguard not to tell anyone about their test results.

Maggie Clayton, the acting beach superintendent, told the Falmouth Select Board employees were told to keep their test results quiet because supervisors wanted to discourage peer-to-peer discussion before test results were shared with the entire beach department.

Health Agent Scott McGann is working with Visiting Nurse Association representatives on contract tracing following the positive tests.

Free coronavirus testing for all town lifeguards and beach staff was also made available at Falmouth Hospital. Town officials said scheduling for tests began Tuesday.

Suso said some Falmouth beaches will operate with fewer lifeguards on duty for the time being.

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