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Cape Cod, island locals concerned seasonal residents will bring virus with them

CAPE COD — On Friday, Massachusetts State Police announced it is deploying additional troopers to its Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard barracks to bolster public safety amid the coronavirus pandemic. This move comes as Governor Charlie Baker announced that people coming in from out of state should self-quarantine for 14 days.

Normally, it's a bit warmer and later in the season when people cross the bridges and head for their summer homes but because of the pandemic, many are choosing to quarantine there and for locals already worried about the spread of COVID-19, that comes with major concerns.

A local CPA in Hyannis told Boston 25 News he's worried about the elderly population who are already at risk.

"We have a high elderly population and I would hate to think that my client who lives in a house, by accident because of somebody who's not being thoughtful and thinking, gets infected and then he dies. And he's being so safe to make sure that he's not," said Stephen Edwards.

The fear is valid. According to Erika Woods, the deputy director of the Department of Health and Environment in Barnstable County, the Cape is home to 214,000 year-round residents and has one of the oldest counties in New England.

"We're absolutely concerned about our elderly citizens and we especially want to make sure we distance ourselves socially from these individuals," said Woods.

She says it's crucial people follow the governor's orders and quarantine for 14 days if they are coming from out of state and that they practice social distancing and don't view their stay as a vacation.

>> Governor Baker asks visitors to self-quarantine

“They are allowed to be here, they own homes, they pay their taxes. We obviously want to make sure that we’re not overwhelmed but really all we can do is prepare. Make sure that everybody is doing their job by washing their hands, social distancing, and self-quarantining.”

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce is asking that if people do choose to come to the Cape, that they bring all essential items with them, like groceries and cleaning supplies because they say there are shortages of key supplies already happening.

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