Coronavirus test results from a pop-up clinic in Chatham — in response to a house party that sparked a cluster — showed that nearly 100 percent of those tested were negative, town officials announced on Tuesday.
Of the 34 people tested at the clinic last week, 33 tested negative. The final test result is pending.
Thirteen coronavirus cases have been linked to that July Chatham house party attended by several restaurant workers — triggering shutdowns at a number of local eateries.
“While I am relieved by the results, the anger, fear, and anxiety the party caused throughout our community cannot and should not be forgotten,” Chatham Town Manager Jill Goldsmith said in a statement. “Everyone must remain vigilant and follow the CDC recommendations — wash your hands, wear a mask when in public, and practice social distancing.”
The town worked with Barnstable County’s Department of Health & Environment, Cape Cod Healthcare and Hyannis Fire Department to hold a pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic at the Town Office Annex for any person who attended the July 12 party associated with the cluster of positive cases, or who was in close contact with an attendee.
Testing was also opened to restaurant workers in Chatham and neighboring towns.
The town also reported recently received complaints that people are not social distancing at beaches.
“The hot weather and the lack of other recreational activities due to COVID-19 restrictions are driving people to the beach in greater numbers than we have seen so far this summer,” Goldsmith said in a statement. “We ask everyone to adhere to the distancing guideline of maintaining 12 feet between groups. Please wear a mask when you are accessing the beach; masks are not required when swimming or sunbathing. Groups are restricted to no more than 10 people and group games are not permitted.”
