Winthrop Officials Urge All Residents to Get Tested for COVID-19 at New Testing Sites in Town, Launch WinthropCOVID19.com Information Portal

WINTHROP — The Town of Winthrop is taking multiple steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The town today launched a new information portal to keep residents informed about the COVID-19 pandemic, and is urging Winthrop residents to protect their loved ones and fellow community members by getting tested for COVID-19 at newly established testing sites in town. 

WinthropCOVID19.com has been created as a one-stop resource that will keep residents informed about the ongoing outbreak, with regular updates meant to keep residents informed and halt the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The website provides testing information and a variety of resources including a COVID-19 tip form that residents can fill out with any concerns they have about the spread of COVID-19 in the community so that public health officials can further investigate. That form is accessible here.

The Town of Winthrop will reactive its Emergency Operations Center today in order to centralize the response effort to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases. 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.  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. 

In response to the recent designation by the state as a “high risk” community, Winthrop officials have partnered with state leaders to establish “Stop the Spread” testing site six days a week at the E.B. Newton School, 45 Pauline St., as well as additional limited “pop-up” sites on a more limited basis. Testing is free for all at each testing site in Winthrop. The testing at the E.B. Newton School and the pop-up sites will continue through at least Sept. 12.

Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 26, testing will be available at E.B. Newton School in Winthrop 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.

Additional pop-up testing site details will be provided as soon as they are available. 

“The only way to truly stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community is for everyone to get tested, learn their results and take the appropriate steps if they test positive,” Public Health Director Meredith Hurley said. “Testing lets us know where the virus is in our community, who is carrying it even without symptoms, and who’s at risk of contracting the virus through close contact with those that have it.” 

The virus that causes COVID-19 primarily spreads through the exchange of respiratory droplets that find their way into the air when people breathe, cough or sneeze. Spread can be significantly limited through the use of face coverings when in public, and through the practice of social distancing — remaining at least six feet away from people who don’t live in your household at all times. 

“Residents who live with or have close contact with more vulnerable members of our population — such as their elderly parents and grandparents or individuals with compromised immune systems — are especially encouraged to get tested,” Town Manager Austin Faison said. “Still, everyone should get tested regardless of their risk factors so that we can have a fuller understanding of how far COVID-19 has spread in our community and put a stop to it so that we can all stay safe and healthy.”