The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has notified the town of two (2) additional confirmed positive cases of the virus in Winthrop since Monday, Nov. 16. Since our coverage last week, the Town has increased by 49 confirmed positive cases, bring the numbers up to 715 total cases: 24 deceased, 68 isolated and 623 recovered.
Residents are urged to increasingly and aggressively practice social distancing, wear face coverings in public and limit their interactions with anyone who lives outside of their household.
All community members are urged to take part in the free COVID-19 testing available at the McKenna Basketball Courts, 5 Walden St.
Testing is available at this site 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.
Winthrop residents can also utilize the free drive thru testing location in Revere at Suffolk Downs. The testing site is open seven days a week and can test up to 1,000 people a day. The site is by appointment-only through BeaconTesting.com. Residents must remain in their car at all times during the testing process. Register and book your appointment at https://www.beacontesting.com/
A map of additional testing locations available in the state can be found on the Town website.
Residents who are contacted by state or local contact tracers and ordered to quarantine must do so, as asymptomatic individuals continue to silently spread the virus.
Massachusetts’ Stop the Spread testing initiative remains ongoing, and Winthrop residents are encouraged to get tested regardless of symptoms in order to better know their COVID-19 status.
COVID-19 prevention tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health include:
Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing, maintaining a minimum of 6 feet from others, is critical.
Those who must go out are urged to:
• Avoid gathering in groups
• Maintain 6 feet from people outside your household
• Do not shake hands or hug
• Wash your hands often
Those who are at a high risk for COVID-19, including those over the age of 65 and with underlying health conditions, are advised to stay home and avoid non-essential tasks and errands
• Wear a mask in indoor and outdoor spaces where social distancing from people outside your household is not possible. This does not apply to those under the age of two and with underlying health conditions.
Winthrop residents are reminded to visit WinthropCOVID19.com, which serves as a dedicated town resource for information on the pandemic.
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 [email protected].