Statement of Winthrop Officials Regarding COVID-19 ‘High Risk’ Designation

WINTHROP — Town Manager Austin Faison and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley wish to provide the following statement regarding the town’s designation as “high risk” for COVID-19 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

“We have been working in close collaboration with our partners at the state Department of Public Health to address the recent rise in the prevalence of the novel coronavirus in our community.

“The Town of Winthrop is working tirelessly to reverse this trend, but we need the active support and participation of our entire community to help accomplish that goal. Everyone can do their part by wearing masks or face coverings any time they’re in public, limit the amount of people they interact with outside of their household, and closely monitor themselves and their family members for symptoms of illness.

“We are taking active steps to limit the spread of COVID-19, including starting the school year using a fully remote learning model that will help ensure students and teachers remain safe while staying connected to their school community.

“The COVID-19 crisis is not over by any means, so we want the state’s designation for Winthrop to serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to practice prevention methods and stop the spread.”

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 or 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.

Residents are also encouraged to regularly check the Town of Winthrop website here and the Town Facebook page @winthropma for regular updates about the status of the virus in the community.

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Statement of Winthrop Officials Regarding COVID-19 ‘High Risk’ Designation