WINTHROP — Town Manager Austin Faison and Director of Public Health & Clinical Services Meredith Hurley would like to inform residents that due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health concerns, Winthrop municipal buildings will be closed to the public to promote social distancing.
There is currently one confirmed positive case and a second presumed positive of COVID-19 in Winthrop
The Town of Winthrop activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 8 a.m. Monday, March 16, streamlining the COVID-19 response effort and ensuring the continued delivery of services to residents. Once open, the EOC will remain operational until further notice. The Town’s Emergency Operations Center can be reached at 617-539-5848 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or by emailing COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.
Federal officials advised on Monday, March 16 that the public should avoid gatherings of involving more than 10 people at one time, in one place.
Governor Charles Baker also announced on Sunday, March 15 that all public and private schools in Massachusetts will be closed until at least April 7, and all bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.
“We are asking all residents, business owners and community members to abide by these new guidelines that federal and state officials are putting forth,” Town Manager Faison said. “Everyone has a part to play in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and following these new guidelines will help in that effort.”
Local Winthrop Updates
- The police department and fire departments are temporarily suspending all non-emergency walk-in services, and encouraging residents to contact the Winthrop Police Department’s business line at 617-846-1212 or the Winthrop Fire Department’s business line at 617-539-5813 with inquiries and non-emergency reports. Residents are also encouraged to utilize the Winthrop Police and Fire Department’s respective pages on the Town Website for non-emergency services such as submitting a smoke detector inspection request.
- Residents are reminded to always call 911 in an emergency, and police, fire and EMS personnel will respond as they normally would.
- The DPW will add cleaning playground equipment to its daily work list. Residents should follow social distancing guidelines and restrictions on groups of 10 or more people in the same place.
- Residents are reminded that they can pay excise taxes, as well as many other transactions, on the Town’s website by clicking here.
- Senior center van transportation is no longer in operation
- The Senior Center has suspended its in-house meal program.
- Meals on Wheels for seniors will continue to operate, and residents who are in need and are not currently on the list to receive meals through the program can email Kdixon@town.winthrop.ma.us or call (617) 539-5848, with their name, phone number and address to be included in the program.
- Massachusetts General Hospital has confirmed their shuttle is still operating as scheduled. Please check the with MGH prior to heading to the shuttle.
- The MBTA has made reductions to its schedule. To view the changes, click here.
Online Services for Winthrop Residents
Municipal offices remain closed to the public, however administrative staff are still conducting business and providing online support to Winthrop Residents. Many municipal transactions and requests can be completed online.
Visit our Town website at www.town.winthrop.ma.us/where to:
- Pay Current and Delinquent Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
- Pay Parking Tickets
- Pay Personal Property Tax
- Pay Real Estate Tax
- Pay Water / Sewer Bills
- Order Resident Parking Stickers
- Request a birth certificate, death certificate or marriage license
- License your dog
Residents can report DPW safety issues online here.
Trash collection will continue its normal schedule.
The Superintendent of Winthrop Public Schools, in cooperation with its Food Services staff, will be preparing Grab and Go Meals to be picked up starting Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27. These meals will be prepared by our food service staff and available for any WPS student in need. Pick up location will be at the rear parking lot next to baseball field and at the loading dock area of Winthrop High School. Pick up hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no cost for any student. Food service staff will be available and on-site during distribution time to support the nutritional needs of our families.
Latest Health Guidance
As always, if anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to work or school and are advised to contact their primary care physician.
For residents that may be self-quarantined and require outside assistance or meal delivery, please email the EOC at COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.
The Town is also advising residents to practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet between people. Residents are also encouraged to avoid large group activities and events.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
- Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
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