COVID-19

This page is dedicated to provide information and resources regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. 

Frequently asked questions

Call 2-1-1 for general COVID-19 questions

Yale New Have Call Center - 1-833-ASK YNNH (275-9644) - Open 7 AM - 7 PM

Physical/Social Distancing - #FairfieldFlattensTheCurve

Fairfield's stance on physical/social distancing: The Town is recommending all individuals, both adults and children, stay home and not interact with individuals outside of the household.

We are asking people not to attend gatherings of any size or to engage in optional socializing of any form. In addition, we are asking all individuals not to go out into the community other than for the essentials such as work (if you are not able to work from home), groceries, medicines and medical appointments. If household members need to go out for these reasons or wish to go outside for physical activity, it should only be done if you can maintain at least 6 feet if not more from other individuals.

We desire to be decisive now and that is why we are asking this of you. But, for these actions to be successful in reducing the impact on our community, which at its core means reducing the number of COVID-19 associated deaths among Fairfield residents, these actions must be adhered to by all. We ask you now to put your family, your friends, your colleagues and your community above your personal desires and freedoms and to serve others by setting the example and staying home.  

Physical distancing - As a Town, we are moving from social distancing to physical distancing because even though we are still physically apart from one another, we are still socially connected in a virtual way. 

Activities to do with kids while physical/social distancing 

Social distancing for both adults and children is important to help slow the spread of the virus. This can be challenging, so here are some fun activities and virtual tours to do while practicing social distancing. 

How to support local businesses while physical/social distancing 

As of 3/16/2020, Governor Lamont ordered restaurants and bars to close for dine-in. For ways how you can still support local businesses and grocery store hours and delivery options please visit our "Support Local" webpage. 

Social services 

If you are in need of services, please contact Fairfield's Social Services at 203-256-3169. Black Rock Congregational Church can also provide services if needed and can be contacted at 203-255-3401 x100 or info@blackrock.org.  

Homebound seniors, can receive a hot lunch delivery and a bag on non-perishables weekly, please call 203-256-3166 for more information.  

Fairfield friendly caller program - Fairfield Public Health Nurses, Library Staff, and CERT Volunteers will make calls to those who want a friendly, informal chat, to let them know someone is thinking of them and to make sure they have everything they need and what resources are available. Contact Fairfield Social Services for more information 203-256-3166 or socialservices@fairfieldct.org. 

Testing

Patients MUST be symptomatic and have an order from a Doctor in ordered to be tested. Patients MUST call the numbers ahead of time and in some cases requires a telehealth visit. 

Yale New Haven Health (Greenwich and Bridgeport Hospitals):

After an order from a Doctor has been placed, patient will receive a call to schedule an appointment.  CALL 833-275-9644 (toll free) for more information

Hartford Healthcare (St. Vincent's Hospital):

Hartford Healthcare – CALL 833-621-0600 (toll free)

Nuvance Health (Norwalk Hospital):

  Nuvance Health COVID-19 Community Hotline - CALL 888-667-9262 open from 8 AM - 6 PM

Drive-Thru Testing:

For information on drive-thru testing in Darien, Greenwich, New Cannan, Stamford, Startford, and Westport. 

 DOCs Medical Group - Located at 525 Tunxis Hill Cutoff, Fairfield, CT. Please CALL 203-870-1974 for more information. 

Approved hospital based sites in CT offering specimen collection and testing as of March 24, 2020 are:

1. Bridgeport Hospital

2. Bristol Hospital

3. Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (Torrington)

4. Danbury Hospital

5. Greenwich Hospital

6. Griffin Hospital (Derby)

7. Hartford Hospital

8. Johnson Memorial Hospital (Stafford Springs)

9. Lawrence Memorial Hospital (New London)

10. Manchester Memorial Hospital

11. Mid-State Medical Center (Meriden)

12. Norwalk Hospital

13. Rockville General Hospital (Vernon) 

14. Saint Francis Hospital (Hartford)

15. Saint Mary's Hospital (Waterbury)

16. Saint Vincent's Hospital (Bridgeport)

17. Stamford Hospital

18. UConn John Dempsey Hospital (Farmington)

19. Waterbury Hospital 

20. William H. Backus Hospital (Norwich)

21. Yale-New Haven Hospital

What to do if...

I am well... 

Practice social distancing

• Stay home as much as possible except to work, pick up essentials, or to receive medical care
• Maintain a 6 foot distance from others outside of your household

I was exposed to a person with symptoms of COVID-19 or a confirmed case... 

Self-Monitor/Self-Quarantine

• Monitor your temperature twice a day. If you develop a cough, fever and shortness of breath, call your health care provider immediately.
• Maintain a 6’ distance from other household members and pets.
• Sleep in a separate bedroom. Stay in that bedroom as much as possible.
• If available, use a separate bathroom.
• Do not eat together and do not share utensils, dishes, etc.
• Wash hands frequently – this is for all household members. Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds.
• Use tissue for coughing and dispose of promptly and then wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect ‘high touch’ surfaces such as bathroom and kitchen countertops, door handles, faucets, remote controls, light switches, etc.
• Discourage visitors
• Unaffected household members who are well have no restrictions on their activity outside of the home. They may go to work, etc.

I am sick with symptoms of COVID-19 or have been confirmed and recovering at home... 

Self-Isolation

• Stay in your designated room.
• All members of the household should follow the above guidelines for self-quarantine and should not go to school, work, etc.
• Masks should be used by both patient and household member when giving care in isolation.

How to discontinue home isolation...

People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:

• If you will not have a test, to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened: 

You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (3 full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers)

AND

other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)

AND

at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared

• If you will have a test, to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:

You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (3 full days with no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers)

AND

other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)

AND

you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.

Mental Health Resources

211 CT - Mental Health Category: provides links to providers of counseling services for adults and children and mental health support groups.

HEALTHY LIVES CT: provides information and tools for maintaining or regaining wellness in the areas of emotional wellness, physical wellness, holistic wellness, financial wellness, and recovery from addiction issues.

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

CDC Manage Anxiety & Stress: offers tips for reducing stress in yourself and others and offers information for parents, responders and people released from quarantine.

Mental Health and COVID-19 – Information and Resources 

Coping with Corona: Mental Health Supports in a Pandemic 

Informational videos

Fairfield's Community Mitigation Strategy

6 Preventative Steps

Proper Hand Washing

Cover Your Cough

 

Social Distancing, Self-Quarantine and Self-Isolation 

COVID-19 guidance for specific groups

Getting Your Household Ready for COVID-19

Guidance for Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Our Community

Guidance for Individuals, Families and Community

Guidance for Businesses

Guidance for Health Care Providers, Guidance for Health Care Facilities, Guidance for Long Term Care Facilities

Guidance for Schools US Dept of Education, Tips for Talking with Children for Parents and Teachers, Pandemic Guidance for Schools

Guidance for Travelers New Guidance for Travelers from Countries with Widespread Ongoing Transmission

Guidance on Caring for People Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 in a Home/Residential Setting

Guidance on Protecting Yourself

Guidance for Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Guidance on How to Self-Quarantine and Self-Isolate for individuals and family members

Additional resources

For general information about COVID-19, as well as information for healthcare professionals and travelers, please visit the CDC's website

CDC Webpage on US COVID-19 Coronavirus Activity.  Additional Details on US Cases.

World Health Organization Dashboard on Worldwide COVID-19 Coronavirus Activity

Johns Hopkins University Dashboard of Worldwide COVID-19 Coronavirus Activity

General Tips to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

CDC Interim Guidance for Preventing COVID-19 Coronavirus from Spreading to Others in Homes and Communities

Various COVID-19 Coronavirus Data and Rate Estimates (non governmental/academic website)

CT Department of Public Health COVID-19 Coronavirus Webpage