Officials Remind Residents of Outside Gathering Capacity Restrictions

Town Manager Austin Faison and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley wish to remind residents of capacity restrictions for outdoor gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outdoor gatherings are limited to eight people per 1,000 square feet and should not exceed more than 50 people in areas of 6,250 square feet or more, according to state guidelines. For any gathering exceeding 10 people from more than one household, anyone over the age of 2 is required to wear a mask or face covering. Those under the age of 2 or are unable to do so due to a medical condition do not need to wear a face mask or covering.

Outdoor gatherings must also be conducted in a manner that allows each participant to maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet from all other attendees who live outside their household. To maintain this physical distance, each individual needs a space of 144 square feet.

“The average yard size in Winthrop is 2,800 square feet, meaning most residents cannot exceed more than 19 people in their backyard at one given time,” Hurley said. “Large gatherings have been found to be a leading cause in the spread of COVID-19. We ask that residents help to stop the spread and keep themselves and their community safe by limiting social gatherings.”

Residents who are found in violation of the state guidelines will be cited by the town and could face fines up to $500.

For more information about COVID-19 prevention and symptoms, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website here and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website here.

Winthrop residents are reminded to visit WinthropCOVID19.com, which serves as a dedicated town resource for information on the pandemic.