Special to the Transcript
Town Manager Austin Faison and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley have received notification from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) of seven additional Winthrop residents with positive cases of COVID-19, the illness associated with the novel coronavirus. They are pleased to report that one resident has recovered.
Public Health Updates         Â
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. Â
The EOC can be reached at 617-539-5848, Monday through Thursday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or by emailing COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.
The EOC will be in operation from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Friday, April 3 to allow for a deep cleaning of its location. Residents will still be able to contact the EOC staff by email during this time.
If any resident is currently under self-quarantine for symptoms or travel history, please contact the EOC at 617-539-5848 or COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us. All information will be confidential.
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 athttps://winthroppublicsafety.com/covid-19-tip-hotline/.
Federal and State Updates
Massachusetts has launched a new resource that residents can use to assess symptoms and find the right care. https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-your-symptoms-for-covid-19-online
The federal income tax filing due date has been automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.
The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance will be hosting daily town hall meetings where residents can take a step by step process of achieving a successful unemployment claim and submit questions. For more information, please go tohttps://www.mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-department-of-unemployment-assi…
The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1, 2021. Beginning October 1, 2021, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
Local Winthrop Updates
Center Business District Infrastructure project remains on schedule and will begin on Monday, April 6. To view the most updated version of the timeline of work for the Center Business District Infrastructure Project, please visithttps://stories.opengov.com/winthropma/published/cqK8p3KPe.
Yard waste facility will re-open on Friday, April 3
All public schools in Massachusetts are closed until at least May 4
All non-essential businesses are closed until May 4th
All Parks, playgrounds and beaches are closed.
No gatherings of any kind of more than 10 people at one time, in one place.
All bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.
Winthrop Community Food Bank
The Food Bank will be accepting donations on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11a.m. to 1p.m. The Food Bank is in need of non-perishable items such as canned goods, pasta, peanut butter and jelly, toiletries and paper products. Items without an expiration date cannot be accepted.
Food will be distributed to Winthrop residents in need from 11a.m. to 1p.m. on Thursday. Please have an ID showing Winthrop residency with you. Please remain in your vehicle; Food Bank volunteers will place items into your car. The volunteers are practicing social distancing and we respectfully ask you to do the same.
The Food Bank is located at the rear (School Street) entrance to the Cummings Elementary School.
If you are elderly, or homebound, please contact the Emergency Operations Center at 617-539-5848 so delivery arrangements can be made.
For questions about the Food Bank or donations, please contact Matt Rodes atmrodes@town.winthrop.ma.us.
Municipal Services
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 on the town websitewww.town.winthrop.ma.us or by dropping payments and applications in the drop box located at the Town Hall front door. Residents having difficulty completing a transaction online can email the department directly for further assistance.
Assessing@town.winthrop.ma.us
Buidingdept@town.winthrop.ma.us
Harbormaster@town.winthrop.ma.us
Library@town.winthrop.ma.us
Parksandrecreation@town.winthrop.ma.us
Townclerk@town.winthrop.ma.us
Tax@town.winthrop.ma.us
Townmanager@town.winthrop.ma.us
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 COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.
Residents are advised to practice social distancing by keeping six 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.
Stay Informed
The Town encourages everyone to stay informed regarding COVID-19. The following resources are recommended for the most updated information:
Town of Winthrop Official COVID-19 updates: www.town.winthrop.ma.us/home/urgent-alerts/covid-19-public-health-updates
Winthrop Public Safety website: https://winthroppublicsafety.com/
Winthrop COVID-19 Tip Hotline: https://winthroppublicsafety.com/covid-19-tip-hotline/
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