Special to the Journal
Town Manager Austin Faison and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley would like to update Winthrop residents on the latest information involving the COVID-19 pandemic.
Town Manager Austin Faison and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley have received notification from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) of four additional Winthrop residents with positive cases of COVID-19, the illness associated with the novel coronavirus. They are pleased to report that 9 residents have recovered.
This week the Baker-Polito Administration announced the creation of the COVID-19 Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. This initiative is a collaboration between the administration and Partners In Health, and is the first of its kind in the nation. Partners In Health is seeking Contact Tracers to support Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Local Boards of Health to perform COVID-19 contact tracing. Interested candidates can apply online at https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/talentboost/job/3kyqki4zeqoyugdzsha5iynhce.
Social distancing during COVID-19 leaves survivors of sexual and domestic violence particularly vulnerable. If you or someone you know in Massachusetts is at risk—you are not alone—help is still available. Please call 877-785-2020 or visit janedoe.org at https://janedoe.org/find_help/
Public Health Updates
The Town of Winthrop Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is streamlining the COVID-19 response effort to ensure 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 Thursday, 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.
The COVID-19 Tip Hotline is available on the Winthrop Public Safety website at https://winthroppublicsafety.com/covid-19-tip-hotline/ for those self-reporting or for a concerned member of the community.
Federal and State Updates
Residents can stay updated and access financial tools and resources through the state’s financial resources website at https://www.mass.gov/ma-financial-resources-for-covid-19. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has created unprecedented disruptions in daily life and financial setbacks for people throughout Massachusetts. The website includes resources for protecting your identity and learning about employment rights and unemployment benefits.
The DCR has temporarily closed state coastal beach parking areas. For more information visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/dcr-coastal-beach-reservation-list
Visitors to state parks should follow thesd guidelines: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-state-parks-covid-19-update
Parking is restricted along Winthrop Shore Drive.
Public access and parking is restricted at Deer Island until further notice.
Massachusetts has launched a new resource that residents can use to assess symptoms and find the right care, which can be found here: 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 follow the step by step process of achieving a successful unemployment claim and submit questions. For more information visit https://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
Yard waste facility is open.
All public schools in Massachusetts are closed until at least May 4th.
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 are allowed.
All bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.
New Winthrop Community Food Bank procedures:
Beginning Monday, April 6, the Food Bank will be distributing food by delivery only. There will be NO in-person pick-up at the Cummings Elementary School. If you are in need of food, please email: [email protected]. Please provide your name, address, phone number and the number of people in your household. If your need is urgent, please call the Emergency Operations Center at 617-539-5848.
The Food Bank will continue accepting donations Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the FRONT loop of the Cummings School across from the Fire Station. The Food Bank is in need of non-perishable items such as cereals, canned goods, pasta, bread, peanut butter and jelly, toiletries and paper products. Items without an expiration date cannot be accepted.
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 website at https://www.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 following department’s directly for further assistance.
Assessor’s Office – [email protected]
Building Department – [email protected]
Harbor Master – [email protected]
Library – [email protected]
Parks and Recreation – [email protected]
Town Clerk – [email protected]
Tax Collector – [email protected]
Town Manager – [email protected]
Residents can report DPW safety issues on the town website at https://www.town.winthrop.ma.us/ or by the “See Click Fix†app on your mobile smartphone.
Latest 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].
The Town is also advising residents 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.
Other Guidelines Include:
• 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.
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 – https://www.town.winthrop.ma.us/home/urgent-alerts/covid-19-public-healt…
Winthrop Public Safety website – https://winthroppublicsafety.com/
Winthrop COVID-19 Tip Hotline – https://winthroppublicsafety.com/covid-19-tip-hotline/
Massachusetts Department of Public Health – https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information
Massachusetts 2-1-1 general COVID-19 information – https://mass211.org/ or dial 2-1-1 (24/7)
Massachusetts COVID-19 text updates: Text “COVIDMA†to 888-777
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – https://www.cdc.gov/
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County – https://www.suffolkcac.org/support-resources/covid-19-support