Town of Fairfield News
3/28/2020 - 3.27 COVID-19 UPDATE
Good Evening Residents,
I want to provide you with a few updates as we head into the weekend. Today Lauren Fabrizi, from News 12 Connecticut, reported about a Fairfield resident who tested positive for COVID-19 and how it has affected her and her family. I urge you to watch the interview which is linked in the image below, and heed her warnings to stay at home and take the warnings from our public health professionals very seriously. Fairfield County towns are home to more than half of the confirmed cases in the entire state. In Fairfield, we have 18 of the 752 cases in Fairfield County and 1,291 in Connecticut. |
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Watch below a News 12 Report from today featuring a COVID-19 positive resident of Fairfield
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We are shifting the message to residents from “social distancing” to “physical distancing” because even though we are psychically apart from one another, we can remain socially connected through other means. For example, the Parks & Recreation department has promoted residents ringing a bell on Wednesdays at 7 pm, children have created chalk drawings throughout neighborhoods with messages of support, residents have decorated their windows for St. Patrick's Day and now for Easter, gyms are also hosting virtual work outs on the internet, and residents are even having virtual happy hours. There will also be another food drive this Sunday.
In addition to spontaneous things happening in the community, the “friendly caller program” established by the town to reach out to those who are isolated and alone is proving to be a great success. I am so proud to be Fairfield's First Selectwoman and continue to be both impressed and motivated by the generosity and kindness that our residents show each other.
I have received a number of emails from residents with concerns about people coming into Fairfield for short term rentals. Our Director of Health sent a letter to realtors and landlords regarding the Town's expectations that any renters coming into our community from outside Connecticut, should self-quarantine for 14 days.
Today, I held a conference call with religious leaders from churches and synagogues in our community. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear from our faith leaders and have a productive and meaningful dialogue about how we can work together to help our community get through this difficult time for us all.
I believe the Governor's recent pronouncement relating to the use of golf courses sends a mixed message not only for our community but for every community in Connecticut while we are in the midst of a national health emergency. The Governor has instituted executive orders closing every school in Connecticut, many businesses and other very strict changes that impact our daily lives. Fairfield's Emergency Management Team and I believe allowing golf courses to remain open undermines our ability to fight the spread of this highly contagious virus.
It was with good reason Fairfield's Emergency Management Team made the decision to close public recreational spaces. We have an obligation to do all that we can to protect the health and safety of our residents and to not overwhelm the healthcare system. Together we need to ensure that those who are most vulnerable are able to receive lifesaving care they may need by each of us sacrificing to flatten the curve of COVID-19.
I understand how difficult it has been for the residents of our community. It's been challenging for me as well. But based on what health professionals have shared with me and my emergency management team, we can get through this if we simply follow the recommendations of the CDC and continue to make the sacrifices necessary to protect ourselves and to protect everyone in our town.
Here is a helpful link to the Frequently Asked Questions document from the Governor's office and is a good resource for residents and businesses.
I encourage you to scroll through to the bottom of this email for more important resources and information.
My heart goes out to all the families who have been impacted by this virus. We have families in town who need our prayers right now. We will get through this together if we stay apart.
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
First Selectwoman |
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TESTING & GUIDANCE
At this time testing remains limited and priority is given to those who are at high risk. The CT Department of Public Health has said if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 which include fever, cough, or shortness of breath to assume that you have the virus. While a test would confirm the virus, it would not change treatment options which includes hydration, rest, and over the counter medications to help alleviate symptoms if necessary. For more information on testing sites, click on the image to the right or visit: fairfieldct.org/covid19.
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GROCERY STORES
We are in continued communication with grocery store managers in town and have spoken with state officials. The Governor put out another executive order yesterday which requires all retail establishments that have been allowed to remain open to ensure six feet of distance between customers and employ touchless payment technology wherever available. It also suspends the tax on single-use checkout plastic bags and prohibits employers from requireing employees to place items in customers' reusable bags. Refer to our website for more information. |
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RESTAURANTS 
Fairfield is lucky to have countless restaurants that have altered their businesses to provide take out, delivery and curbside pick up.
Click on the image to the right view the full listing.
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TOWN GOVERNMENT
Each department will have new guidelines as to how you can reach them on various services. Please visit this summary page for an overview and follow links to specific departments for more information. |
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UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
If you become unemployed due to coronavirus (COVID-19), you should file for unemployment benefits. Click here for more information. For frequently asked questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) for workers and employers click here. |
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- Practice social distancing
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Wash your hands often for 20 seconds with warm soap and water. Hand washing is preferred but if not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue immediately away
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects (including your cell phone and computer keyboard) and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipe
- Face masks are recommended for use for only people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
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Important COVID-19 Links:
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Contact Information:
For general questions you can call 211
Hartford HealthCare’s COVID-19 Clinical Command Center hotline, staffed by healthcare professionals, is now available to the community. To reach the 24-hour hotline, call 860.972.8100 or (toll-free) 833.621.0600.
YNHH has a call center number it’s 1-833-ASK YNHH that’s open from 7am - 7pm.
For additional information and prevention tips, refer to the Health Department website at: www.fairfieldct.org/health or the Fairfield homepage under news at www.fairfieldct.org. |
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PREVIOUS COVID-19 UPDATES:
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