The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has notified the town of one hundred and forty-seven (147) additional confirmed positive cases of the virus in Winthrop and one additional death due to COVID-19 since our last report on Dec. 10. This brings the total up to 1,109 confirmed cases, with 196 in isolation, and 27 deceased.
Winthrop joins Boston, and other nearby communities in rolling back to Phase Two, Step Two of the reopening plan.
Returning to a modified Phase Two, Step Two requires the closure of certain businesses that were allowed to open during the Phase Three reopening plan. Gatherings in private and public settings are required to have no more than 10 people for indoor settings and 25 people for outdoor settings. The following industries in the City of Boston are required to close starting Wednesday, December 16 for at least three weeks:
• Indoor fitness centers and health clubs, including gyms using alternative spaces. One-on-one personal training sessions are allowed.
• Movie theaters
• Museums
• Indoor recreational and athletic facilities (except for youth 18 and under)
• Indoor pools may remain open for all ages under pre-registration format structure limited to one person per swim lane.
• Indoor recreational venues with potential for low-contact (batting cases, driving ranges, bowling alleys, rock-climbing)
• Sightseeing and other organized tours (bus tours, duck tours, harbor cruises, whale watching)
• Indoor historical spaces & sites
• Indoor event spaces (meeting rooms, ballrooms, private party rooms, social clubs)
• Private social clubs may continue to operate, if they serve food, consistent with restaurant guidance.
• Indoor and outdoor gaming arcades associated with gaming devices
Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid high risk activities, especially indoor social gatherings, and all Massachusetts residents are under orders from the Governor to wear masks at all times while in public. 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 at all times.
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.
Stay Informed!
The Town encourages everyone to stay informed regarding COVID-19. The following websites are recommended for the most updated information:
Town of Winthrop COVID-19 resource page: WinthropCOVID19.com
Town of Winthrop Official Website: www.town.winthrop.ma.us
Massachusetts Department of Public Health: www.mass.gov/covid-19
Massachusetts 2-1-1 general COVID-19 information: Click here or dial 2-1-1 (24/7)
U.S. CDC:
www.cdc.gov