Bridge the Gap: A Cape Cod Bridges Podcast

The testing capacity for COVID-19 on Cape Cod will see a significant increase in the coming days thanks to funding from several sources. New testing locations will be available in Falmouth, Hyannis, and the Lower/Outer Cape. Listen in to our latest Policy Pod to learn where you can get tested around Cape Cod. We also discuss the pending arrival of vaccines on Cape Cod and the initial state distribution plans.

As Cape Cod businesses head into December, they continue to deal with COVID-19 and the implications the virus will have in the weeks and months ahead. With cases on the rise around the state and nation, local business leaders say there should not be a concern about a broad shutdown. Since the outbreak and shutdown in the spring, so much more is known about how to treat the virus and operate businesses in a safe and health manner. Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Wendy Northcross says the key is to "do the right thing, don't be afraid and don't shut down." Listen to our latest edition of the Policy Pod for everything you need to know over the next several weeks.

Newly-elected Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Linda Markham joins the Policy Pod to talk about the ongoing reopening of Cape Cod amid COVID-19. Markham, who also sits on Governor Charlie Baker's Reopening Task Force, gives us some new insight into how the process is working and what we can expect in the weeks and months ahead as the response the virus and the hope for a vaccine continues. Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Wendy Northcross talks about the just completed summer season and how local businesses were impacted by the pandemic.

The summer of 2020 has been unlike any other for the tourism industry. And on Cape Cod, a marketing campaign called Cape Cod's "Second Summer" has been launched to remind people that the popular destination remains open and safe for those looking to get away this fall. COVID-19 numbers have remained relatively low on Cape Cod and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce is looking to encourage people to consider a "second summer" vacation.

The development and care of our children is a critical issue facing Cape Cod and the islands. Parents are finding challenges as new regulations have limited capacity or prompted centers to shutter completely. Join a panel including experts working in the region's early education and childcare sector, Cape & Islands State Senator Julian Cyr and 4th Barnstable State Representative Sarah Peake to better understand options and resources. Forum co-sponsored by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and Cape Cod Young Professionals (CCYP).

Cape Cod has been a top tourism destination for decades, attracting visitors with its sandy beaches and beautiful, pristine environment. But in the current and post-COVID-19 era, what type of experience will be sought by travelers? Travel and tourism data expert Ted Sullivan joins this episode of the Policy Pod with some very revealing facts and figures that everyone involved in the industry needs to hear. Sullivan says the days of destination marketing for Cape Cod may have passed -- replaced with what he calls "place marketing." The concept is that Cape Cod should no longer just promote itself as a place to vacation, but should focus on a PLACE to live, work and play.

Cape Cod continues to move through a multi-stage reopening process under the state's COVID-19 guidelines. Cape and Islands State Senator Julian Cyr, a member of the local reopening committee, joins the Policy Pod to discuss the process and what we expect in the coming weeks and months.

Plans are now being finalized to replace the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges that carry passenger traffic on and off Cape Cod. Built more than 80 years ago, both spans are functionally obsolete and in need of constant repair. Each time either bridge undergoes critical maintenance work, traffic is greatly impacted. As both bridges are the only way on and off Cape Cod by car, it is also a safety and security issue for the more than 210,000 people who live on the Cape. This edition of the Policy Pod details the plans to replace both bridges and how the State of Massachusetts will take ownership of both new spans.

Summer 2020 is officially here and Cape Cod is open for business! The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce formally kicked off the season with the 12th Annual Quahog Day at the Blue Water Resort in South Yarmouth, MA. Special guests included NBC 10/NECN Meteorologist Tim Kelley and "Johnny Quahog," the only man known who can speak to "Doug the Quahog." Summer 2020 will look a little different this year because of COVID-19 precautions, but local officials want visitors to know that Cape Cod is ready to safely welcome visitors to our sandy shores!

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has announced that the state would enter Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Reopening Plan on June 8, 2020. This will allow lodging to begin accepting leisure travelers again and restaurants can begin providing outside dining. Retails shops will also be allowed to have customers return inside, with restrictions. Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Wendy Northcross and Matt Pitta from The Davenport Companies discusses all the information the business community, residents and visitors need to know.