Town of Winthrop Confirms Two Case Clusters, Urges Residents to Get Tested

Patrons of Winthrop Elks and Pleasant Park Yacht Club on Oct.15-18 Strongly Urged to Get Tested

WINTHROP — 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.”

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 here.

“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.

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 here and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website here.

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

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. 

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