Special to The Transcript
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. They have received notification from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) of four additional residents affected by COVID-19.
As of April 29, cases are up to 163 with 82 in isolation; six deceased and 75 recovered.
Comcast Extends Comprehensive COVID-19 Response PoliciesÂ
As shelter in place continues to be the norm and schools remain closed across the country, Comcast announced today it will extend its commitments for Xfinity customers through June 30 to help ensure students can finish out the school year from home and remain connected to the internet during the COVID-19 crisis.
Originally announced on March 13, Comcast made the following commitments that will now be extended into the summer:
• No Disconnects and Waiving Late Fees: Comcast will not disconnect a customer’s Xfinity Internet, Xfinity Mobile, or Xfinity Voice service, and will waive late fees if customers let Comcastus know that they can’t pay their bills during this period. Our care teams are available to offer flexible payment options or help find other solutions.
• Xfinity WiFi Free for Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots in business and outdoor locations across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi.
• Pausing Our Data Plan: With so many people working and educating from home, Comcast wants their customers to access the internet without thinking about data plans. While the vast majority customers do not come close to using 1TB of data in a month, Data plans are paused to give all customers unlimited data for no additional charge.
• Internet Essentials: Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. Comcast is extending its offer of 60 days of complimentary service for new customers through June 30. Internet Essentials is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. For more information, visit www.internetessentials.com.
For more information and updates from Comcast related to Coronavirus, visit: http://www.comcastcorporation.com/COVID-19
Municipal Services
• Residents can contact the DPW to report safety issues on the town website at https://www.town.winthrop.ma.us/ or by the “See Click Fix†app on your mobile smartphone.
• Residents can request bulk permit trash stickers from the DPW Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. by calling (617) 846-1341. Trash stickers will be delivered to your household.
• Mooring permits and waterway fees applications can be mailed to Town Hall or dropped in the mail slot by the front door to Town Hall.
• Boaters must ensure your boat is properly registered/documented.
• Ensure boat excise tax is paid. (Include payment if needed.)
• Include payment of waterways fee: Residents pay $200, Non-Residents pay $250. If you were waiting for renewal forms but have not received them you can email the Town Tax Collector’s Office or the Harbormaster at [email protected].
• Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for stickers to be returned.
Emergency Operations Center         Â
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].
For residents that may be self-quarantined and require outside assistance or meal delivery, 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.
The Winthrop Community 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.
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.
• 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.
COVID-19 symptom checker: www.mass.gov/how-to/check-your-symptoms-for-covid-19-online.