Town Provides COVID-19 Health Update

Special to the Transcript

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has notified the town of Winthrop of one additional resident affected by COVID-19. The Winthrop COVID testing location tested 286 individuals on Monday, Aug. 31. A total of 923 tests were administered. In Winthrop, as of Sept. 1, there are now a total of 360 confirmed cases; 24 deceased, 16 isolated and 320 recovered.

Town officials are taking multiple steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The town launched a new information portal to keep residents informed about the COVID-19 pandemic, and is urging Winthrop residents to protect their loved ones and fellow community members by getting tested for COVID-19 at newly established testing sites in town.

WinthropCOVID19.com has been created as a one-stop resource that will keep residents informed about the ongoing outbreak, with regular updates meant to keep residents informed and halt the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The website provides testing information and a variety of resources including a COVID-19 tip form that residents can fill out with any concerns they have about the spread of COVID-19 in the community so that public health officials can further investigate.

The Town of Winthrop’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated to centralize the response effort to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases. Those with questions about the COVID-19 situation in town are encouraged to call the COVID-19 information line at 617-539-5848 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.

In response to the recent designation by the state as a “high risk” community, Winthrop officials have partnered with state leaders to establish “Stop the Spread” testing site six days a week at the E.B. Newton School, 45 Pauline St., as well as additional limited “pop-up” sites on a more limited basis. Testing is free for all at each testing site in Winthrop. The testing at the E.B. Newton School and the pop-up sites will continue through at least Sept. 12.

Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 26, and continuing indefinitely, testing will be available at E.B. Newton School in Winthrop on the following days and times:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 2-7 p.m. (drive-through)

Tuesday and Thursday from 2-7 p.m. (walk-up)

Testing providers are able to provide information in English and Spanish.

Additional pop-up testing site details will be provided as soon as they are available.

The virus that causes COVID-19 primarily spreads through the exchange of respiratory droplets that find their way into the air when people breathe, cough or sneeze. Spread can be significantly limited through the use of face coverings when in public, and through the practice of social distancing — remaining at least six feet away from people who don’t live in your household at all times.