Local Man Dies From COVID-19: First Death Recorded in State from Virus

Special to the Transcript

Town Manager Austin Faison, Public Health Director Meredith Hurley Police Chief Terence Delehanty and Fire Chief Paul Flanagan issued the following statement this past weekend following the death from COVID-19 of a local man last Friday:

“We are deeply saddened to announce that a Winthrop resident has died as a result of his contracting COVID-19, the illness associated with the Novel Coronavirus.

“The victim was an 87-year-old man with underlying health conditions.  The fact is that this terrible virus has taken a life in our community, and that loss of life gives each of us pause and fills us with sorrow.

“We are aware that our resident is the first patient to die from COVID-19 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

“We have been in contact with the family, and we relay from the family that they are deeply saddened and have requested privacy, and we ask that everyone respect their wishes during this difficult time.”

Public Health Updates


The Public Health Department reports one new case, bringing the current total number of cases identified in Winthrop up to four as of Tuesday, March 24.

The Town of Winthrop Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is streamlining the COVID-19 response effort and ensuring the continued delivery of services to residents. The EOC will remain operational until further notice.  The EOC can be reached at 617-539-5848, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or by emailing [email protected].

If any resident is currently under self-quarantine for symptoms or travel history, please contact the EOC at 617-539-5848 or [email protected]. All information will be confidential.

To receive latest COVID-19 updates from the state of Massachusetts, Text “COVIDMA” to 888-777

Local Winthrop Updates

• All non-essential businesses are closed until April 7

• All Parks and Playgrounds will remain closed.

• No gatherings of any kind of more than 10 people at one time, in one place.

• All public schools in Massachusetts are closed until at least April 7.

• Winthrop Public Schools will be distributing Grab-and-Go Meals for any WPS student in need. Pick up will be Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the rear loading dock area of Winthrop High School. There is no cost for any student.

• All bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.

• COVID-19 Tip Hotline available on the Winthrop Public Safety website for those self-reporting or for a concerned member of the community. The hotline can be found at https://winthroppublicsafety.com/covid-19-tip-hotline/.

• Canned goods needed!  The Winthrop Community Food Bank will be accepting donations on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cummings Elementary School.  Drop offs will take place behind the school on School Street.

• The Food Bank is in need of canned goods, pasta, non-perishables, sealed baby formula, toiletries and paper products including toilet paper, tissues, napkins, and paper towels.

• Food will be distributed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am-1pm.  Individuals and Families that are IN NEED are welcome to the Community Food Bank at the Cummings School.  Fresh produce and dairy products such as milk, butter, eggs and yogurt will also be distributed based on availability and on a first come first served basis. We appreciate your cooperation in helping to make this process orderly and efficient.

• If you are elderly, or homebound, please contact the Emergency Operations Center at 617-539-5848 so delivery arrangements can be made.

• For more info about the Food Bank or volunteer opportunities, please contact Matt Rodes at [email protected].

• Municipal offices will remain closed to walk in foot traffic at this time. Residents can pay taxes, parking tickets and apply for resident parking stickers online or by dropping payments and applications in the drop box located at the Town Hall front door. 

• Residents can report DPW safety issues on the town website or by the “See Click Fix” on your mobile smartphone.

Health Guidance

As always, if anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to work or school and are advised to contact their primary care physician.

For residents that may be self-quarantined and require outside assistance or meal delivery, please email the EOC at [email protected].

Residents are advised to practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet between people to prevent the spread of infection which includes handshaking and hugging. Residents are also encouraged to avoid group activities and events.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.

Keep your hands away from your face.

Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.

Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.