PROVINCETOWN, MASS. (WHDH) - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Friday announced the genetic sequencing of some initial samples associated with the recent COVID-19 cluster in Provincetown have tested positive for the delta variant.
This announcement comes after more than 250 confirmed COVID-19 cases were linked to a recent virus outbreak in Provincetown on Thursday.
Surveillance efforts have identified additional cases associated with the cluster that prompted the popular Cape Cod tourist town to issue a public health advisory earlier in the week, according to town manager Alex Morse.
As of July 20, 256 cases were said to be associated with the outbreak, up from the 132 people who tested positive for the virus after people flocked to the town over the Fourth of July weekend.
A total of 190 of the cases are Massachusetts residents, including 109 people who live in Barnstable County, officials said. The other cases are among people who live in other states.
Boston health officials on Tuesday urged recent visitors to Provincetown to self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19
A COVID-19 vaccination and testing center at the Veterans Memorial Community Center will remain functional through Friday, July 30.
In an effort to curb the spread of the virus, Provincetown officials are now advising people to wear masks indoors where social distancing cannot be achieved, regardless of their vaccination status.
On Wednesday, Nantucket joined Provincetown in urging people to wear masks.
All unvaccinated individuals, including children under the age of 12, are required to wear masks both outdoors in crowded areas where social distancing cannot be achieved and in public indoor spaces, per CDC guidelines.
Masks remain mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems.
People are also being advised to use caution when around large crowds in indoor spaces and to avoid handshaking, kissing, hugging, and other forms of close contact that increase the risk of transmission.
Anyone who feels ill should get tested for the virus and stay home, officials said.
Though DPH has identified cases in the outbreak linked to vaccinated individuals, the total number of cases among vaccinated individuals remains low, at 0.1%.
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