Officials Urge Continued Vigilance as COVID-19 Risk Level Stays High

Special to the Transcript

Town officials report that the Town of Winthrop has been designated a high risk community by the state since Aug. 19.

As always, health officials are strongly urging all residents to be vigilant in combating COVID-19.

“We have made some progress in reducing the number of cases in the community over the last two weeks, but work still remains to be done,” Hurley said. “It’s imperative that all community members continue to wear a face mask or covering, practice social distancing and — most importantly — stay home if you are sick for any reason.”

The Town has also hired its first COVID-19 Inspector, a Winthrop Health Department enforcement-level employee who will be focused on helping the town combat the spread of COVID-19 as cases continue to be on the rise in town.

More information about that position can be found at https://tinyurl.com/WSTcovid-inspector.

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 six feet from others, is critical.

• Those who must go out are urged to:

• Avoid gathering in groups

• Maintain six 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.

• Face coverings should:

• Cover the nose and mouth

• Fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face

• Be secured with either ties or ear loops

• Permit breathing without difficulty

• Be able to be washed and machine dried without damage. Face masks should be washed regularly depending on the amount of use.

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

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