Updated Guidance on Quarantining and Isolation

On December 28, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shortened the recommended time for isolation for individuals with COVID-19. 

View and Print Flow Chart to determine isolation/quarantine.

If the individual shows no symptoms, the recommended isolation period is shortened from 10 days to 5 days, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others.

For individuals unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second Pfizer or Moderna dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted who have been exposed to COVID-19, the CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. 

Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure. Individuals who have received their booster do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. 

For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19. 

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our communities.

FREE PCR COVID-19 TESTING

Barnstable County is offering free PCR covid-19 testing at the Orleans DPW on Tuesdays from 9 - 11 am staffed by BCDHE and Medical Reserve Corp. Pre-registration is requested.  

Register here: https://orleansdpwcovidtesting.timetap.com/#/

Cape Cod Hospital Community Testing

Call the Community Testing Line at 508-534-7103 to be scheduled for an appointment for drive-through testing on the campus of Cape Cod Hospital or Falmouth Hospital.

The PCR testing method utilized at this site can detect even the smallest quantities of viral particles. It is considered the gold-standard for accurately detecting active COVID-19 viral RNA (genetic material) in a collected specimen and is accepted by all governments and agencies. Test results are currently available within 24 hours.

For asymptomatic individuals seeking community testing to monitor their health, the out-of-pocket cost is $75. Accommodations will be made for those unable to pay, as no one seeking testing will be turned away. For individuals seeking community testing due to travel, the out-of-pocket cost is $110.

Cape Cod Hospital Campus

Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 7:30am – 11:00am  

Falmouth Hospital Campus

Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 7:30am – 10:30am

Outer Cape Health Services COVID-19 Testing

To receive a test, call Outer Cape Health Services at 508-905-2888. Please DO NOT come into any of our health centers.

Antigen tests are free via a Massachusetts Department of Public Health initiative providing OCHS with Abbott BinaxNOW™ rapid tests for COVID-19.  Tests may be billed to individuals with insurance but not charged a co-pay; however, no one will be turned away. Insurances will be charged for the costs of administering your vaccination but not the actual vaccine which is free.

For individuals seeking a PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) molecular test, fees will apply for this test type. These tests samples will be processed by Quest Diagnostic Laboratories and billed directly to patient.

Outer Cape Health Services will also continue to provide symptomatic tests at all three sites and bill insurance. If an individual is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or has been referred to testing related to contact tracing, the individual should call OCHS first for a telehealth screening visit.

OCHS Harwich Port Health Center

Address:  710 Rt. 28

Hours: Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30pm

Wednesdays and Fridays 2:30pm – 3:30pm

OCHS Wellfleet Health Center

Address: 3130 Rt. 6

Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10am – 11am

OCHS Provincetown Health Center

Address: 49 Harry Kemp Way

Hours: Mon, Weds, Fri, 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Barnstable County COVID testing page - most up to date information.