Town Confirms Two Case Clusters

Special to the Transcript

Public Health Director Meredith Hurley, Town Manager Austin Faison and Police Chief Terence Delehanty are urging residents to get tested for COVID-19 after two case clusters were identified in town.

As of Saturday, Oct. 24, town officials can confirm that 22 new cases of the disease are tied to social events at the Winthrop Elks, 191 Washington Ave. and the Pleasant Park Yacht Club, 562 Pleasant St. Anyone who visited either place between Oct. 15-18 is asked to self-isolate and to get tested for COVID-19.

“It’s vital that anyone who visited either establishment during that time period to get tested as soon as possible and stay home until you receive your results,” Hurley said. “We take matters like this seriously, and will continue to work diligently with state public health officials to complete the contact tracing process. We will share any additional information as soon as it becomes available.”

As of Tuesday, Oct. 27, the Mass. Department of Health has notified the town of 87 new cases since Oct. 20;  This brings the total up to 531 cases, with 24 deceased, 107 isolated and 400 recovered.

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.

A map of additional testing locations available in the state can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/covid-testing-site-map.

“All residents are asked to get tested if they have not already so that we can have a better understanding of how many cases there currently are in the community,” Hurley said. “This information will be vital as we create a plan to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our town. Additionally, should you leave your home, wear a face mask or covering, practice social distancing and — most importantly — stay home if you feel sick or are experiencing any symptoms whatsoever.”

The Town of Winthrop remains designated as a “Red” high risk community in the DPH’s weekly report released Thursday, Oct. 22. According to the data, the average daily incidence rate for the Town of Winthrop per 100,000 residents is 10.6. Any number over 8 leads to a “Red” designation.

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.