Town Alerted to First Positive Covid-19 Case

One confirmed case and no presumptive cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Winthrop as of Tuesday night. According to Town Nurse, Meredith Hurley, more testing over the coming days and weeks could see a rise in positive cases.

“This means that public health practices are working and allows us better opportunities to stop the spread by conducting investigations,” said Hurley, who has partnered with the Town Manager’s Office, Winthrop Fire, Winthrop Police and Winthrop Public Schools to conduct contact tracing of each case, identifying potential exposure and alerting patients of the need to self-quarantine.

“Though a time consuming process, we have a strong leadership team and we are all working vigilantly to address all safety and health concerns in the community,” Hurley said. “We have the Emergency Operations Center open and staffed to respond rapidly as the situation evolves.”

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated on Monday, March 16, at 8 a.m., ensuring the continued delivery of services to residents. The EOC will remain operational until further notice.

Hurley urges residents to contact the EOC info line from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 617-539-5848 or via the dedicated email at: COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.

Federal officials have advised the public to limit gatherings of no more than ten people at one time, in one place. The Town is advising residents to practice social distancing by keeping six feet between people. The Winthrop Police and Fire departments are temporarily suspending all non-emergency walk-in services and encouraging residents to contact the police business line at 617-846-1212 or the fire business line at 617-539-5813 with inquiries and non-emergency reports. Residents are reminded to always call 911 in an emergency, and police, fire and EMS personnel will respond as normal.

If anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should contact their primary care physician.

Other updates include:

• Meals on Wheels for seniors will continue to operate, and residents who are in need and are not currently on the list to receive meals through the program can email Kdixon@town.winthrop.ma.us or call 617-539-5848, with their name, phone number and address to be included in the program.

• Massachusetts General Hospital has confirmed their shuttle is still operating as scheduled, however; it’s important to check for any changes at: https://www.massgeneral.org/visit/parking-and-shuttles/shuttle-service.

• The MBTA has made reduction to its schedule. To view the changes, see: https://www.mbta.com/schedules