COVID-19

This page is dedicated to provide information and resources regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. For Fairfield COVID-19 data, please visit the data page. 

Preventative Measures

There is currently no vaccine or antiviral medication to prevent or lessen the impact of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to it. The CDC recommends these everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19. 

• Stay home is you are sick except to seek medical care.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The health department has a video demonstrating how to wash your hands properly. 
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands after. The health department has a video demonstrating the importance of covering your cough/sneeze. 
• Avoid contact with people who may be sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wear a face covering.
• Socially distance by keeping at least a 6ft distance from others. 

Testing

Please visit this website for up to date information on COVID-19 testing and antibody testing. 

Questions/Call Centers

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yale New Haven Call Center - 1-833-ASK YNNH (275-9644)

Hartford Health Care - 1-833-621-0600

Nuvance Health - 1-888-667-9262

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 24 hours (1 full day 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 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared

Cloth Face Coverings 

Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7BB enacts the following provisions:

Cloth face coverings or higher level of protection required in public wherever close contact is unavoidable: Effective at 8:00 p.m. on April 21, 2020, any person in a public place in Connecticut who is unable to or does not maintain a safe social distance of approximately six feet from every other person shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering. In addition, individuals shall use a mask or cloth face covering when using the services of any taxi, car, livery, ride-sharing or similar service or means of mass public transit, or while within any semi-enclosed transit stop or waiting area. The commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development will be required to update the previously issued Safe Workplace rules and Safe Store rules. Nothing in this order shall require the use of a mask or cloth face covering by anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition, anyone under the age of 2 years, or by an older child if the parent, guardian or person responsible for the child is unable to place the mask safely on the child’s face. If a person declines to wear a mask or face covering because of a medical condition as described above, such person shall not be required to produce medical documentation verifying the stated condition.

Reopen CT

In response to Governor Lamont’s Reopen CT initiative, please view this link for sector rules.   

How to support local businesses while social distancing 

For ways how you can still support local businesses and grocery store hours and delivery options please visit our "Support Local" webpage. 

Social services 

Fairfield COVID-19 Relief Fund

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. 

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

American Sign Language (ASL) Videos

The CDC has a series of ASL videos available for our deaf and hard of hearing community covering a range of topics, from social distancing to caring for others to safety practices, centered around COVID-19. The videos are available on YouTube at this link. 

Why and How to Use a Cloth Face Covering

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

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