Town of Fairfield News
5/7/2020 - 5.7 COVID-19 UPDATE
Dear Fairfielders,
I continue to be proud of our community for how we have come together throughout this pandemic. It hasn't been easy but we are getting through it together. I appreciate the feedback I receive from residents and I want you all to know how hard the Town is working on your behalf.
Communication with residents has always been a priority for me as an elected official, but it has been more important than ever right now. The phased-in reopening of our town and state does not mean the pandemic is over or that we should let our guard down. We have flattened the curve in our community, which was our goal, but there is still much about this virus that the medical community doesn't fully know.
COVID CASES LOCAL AND STATE:
The most recently published data shows Connecticut has 31,784 positive cases, 2,797 deaths, and 1,385 hospitalizations. Fairfield County has 12,679 confirmed cases and 977 deaths.
The Town of Fairfield has 448 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and a total of 79 of our residents have lost their lives. My prayers continue to be with those families who have lost a loved one during this difficult time.
Of the 448 residents who have tested positive in Fairfield, 181 have reported that they have fully recovered. Charts and data on Fairfield cases can be found at fairfieldct.org/covid19data.
Fairfield has seven nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Unfortunately 85% of the reported deaths in our community have occurred among residents living in these congregated settings. The facilities are doing everything they can to protect their residents. These facilities are inspected by the CT Department of Public Health, who is providing guidance and direction on the care of COVID cases and the Fairfield Health Department continues to be in consistent contact with these facilities to provide assistance or needed materials.
BUSINESS REOPENING TASK FORCE:
As a result of the Governor's May 20th order, I established a Business Reopening Task Force to provide local businesses with recommendations and guidelines.
The Town is seeking some clarifications and further guidelines from the Governor’s office, which we are told will be provided for restaurants on Friday, for salons next week, and for childcare and summer camps on the 15th.
The Town of Fairfield stands ready and committed to providing a wide array of support from multiple municipal departments and resources available to assist our business community. The members of the Task Force include the Town Health, Zoning, Economic Development, and Building departments and the Fire Marshal’s office, Police Department, and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. We are working on protocols to streamline procedures and allow greater flexibility for restaurants wishing to expand their outdoor dining footprint, among other steps the Town can assist with to help businesses reopen safely.
I know restaurants are struggling and many have done an extraordinary job revising their operations and adapting to new regulations during the pandemic. I know our residents are rooting for all Fairfield businesses including our local retail shops and so they can get through this difficult and challenging time and return to normal, even if it looks a little different than it used to. Public safety remains our top priority while we do what we can as a Town to support our local businesses.
ADDITIONAL REOPENINGS:
The following Tennis Courts will be open beginning Friday, May 8th at 9 a.m. Online reservations are still recommended for use of the courts.
- Gould Manor Park, all Courts at Fairfield Warde High School, Fairfield Woods Middle School, Dwight Elementary School, Fairfield Ludlowe High School
The remaining courts in town will remain closed:
- Owen Fish, Tomlinson Middle School, Veterans Park, Tunxis Hill Pickleball
H.Smith Richardson will open on Friday, May 15th upon the completion of the parking lot. Tee times must be made ahead of time.
TIME CHANGE: Parking lots at Jennings, Sasco, and Lake Mohegan will now be open at 8:00 a.m for residents with a valid 2020 Fairfield resident sticker. The slides outlining current guidelines for public spaces are linked below or visit fairfieldrecreation.com.
RESOURCES:
I encourage you to browse through the bottom of this email for information and resources to help residents and businesses navigate challenges as a result of the pandemic.
Tomorrow, Friday, May 8th, I will join the entire Fairfield State Delegation for a virtual town hall at 12 p.m. The details are included below.
 I want to close by wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all Fairfield Moms! I hope you enjoy the weekend with your families.
Thank you all for doing your part to keep our community safe. We're in this together!
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
First Selectwoman |
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Please email any questions ahead of time to FairfieldZoom@housegop.ct.gov.
Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81383798904 and Meeting ID is: 813 8379 8904.
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Click the image below to view the slides outlining town policies
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BEACHES- KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Check the parking lot capacity and status online at fairfieldct.org/parkingcapacity
Beach Passes: Residents who had a beach sticker previously automatically have an online account, even if you always applied in person. You may not know your user name and password which Park & Recreation can help provide you. The department has 6 phone lines and employees are working hard to keep up with the demand. You can email them here: recsupport@fairfieldct.org
If you purchased a beach sticker but haven't yet received it, we are allowing residents to show your email receipt which contains your license plate for admittance to the beaches. |
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DOG LICENSING
Dogs six months of age or older must be licensed before July 1st each year. Licensing begins June 1st. Licenses must be purchased through the mail. Here is a link to the application.
Reminder postcards will be mailed at the end of May. If you do not have any changes (updated rabies/spay or neutering certificates) just send your postcard, check and self-addressed stamped envelope to the Town Clerk’s Office, 611 Old Post Rd., Fairfield CT 06824. |
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FISHING LICENSES
Fishing licenses may be purchased online through the State of CT DEEP Portal. Click here. |
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The Fairfield COVID-19 Relief Fund was established to provide limited, one-time assistance to Fairfield residents who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Use of the funds must be directly related to the effects of the virus. Donate to the fund or apply for relief by visiting www.fairfieldct.org/covidrelieffund
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SHOP LOCAL 
The Town of Fairfield will have our first ever Fairfield Buy Local Virtual Shopping Event this Saturday, May 9th, from 12-4 PM. For a list of participating businesses visit the Facebook Event page. |
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BUSINESSES
For more information on state and federal support for businesses, click here. The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the Federal CARES Act, click here.
Paycheck Protection Program: The Paycheck Protection Program is a lifeline for businesses to keep employees on the payroll. You can find more information about federal and state programs on the state’s coronavirus website. |
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LOCAL TAXES
Tax Deferment: Any real estate, motor vehicle, personal property or sewer taxes that became due on April 1st will not be considered delinquent if paid by July 1st. Also, all taxes that become due on July 1st will not be considered delinquent if paid by October 1st. Please note that Fairfield landlords can learn more about how to qualify by contacting the tax collector's office. For anyone with questions, please click here or call 203.256.3100.
Senior & Disabled Tax Relief both the State and Town Programs: The Governor issued Executive Order 7S which includes a provision to eliminate the refiling requirement for those applicants due to refile this year. If you were due to refile this year, you were notified by mail in February. As a result of this Executive Order, you are no longer required to come into our office to refile. In addition we mailed a postcard to those that do not need to reapply on April 16,2020 as confirmation.
If you are seeking benefits for the first time you will need to apply. Please contact the office at 203-256-3110 and we will work with you on submitting the required documentation. |
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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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MORTGAGE RELIEF
The state has provided a FAQ which is a resource to help answer many of your questions about unemployment, mortgage relief and more. Please read it here. The Governor provided information on mortgage payment relief with over 50 credit unions and banks to help residents and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Participating financial institutions are now offering mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days.
All landlords are prohibited from issuing a notice to quit or beginning eviction proceedings before July 1, 2020, except for serious nuisance, such as physically harming another tenant or the landlord. For rent due in April 2020, landlords must grant tenants an automatic, 60-day grace period for payment, instead of the existing 9-day grace period. Read more. |
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COVID-19 TESTING
Governor Lamont announced the State of Connecticut has formed a partnership with CVS Health in an initiative that will make free, rapid COVID-19 tests available to eligible Connecticut residents. Learn more here.
At this time, testing priority is given to those who are high risk. For more information on testing sites and protocols click here or visit www.fairfieldct.org/covid19. |
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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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BIGELOW CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Mobile Food Pantry
Fairfield Social Services is partnering with Operation to operate a mobile food pantry. Fairfield Social Services/Bigelow Center is also providing home-delivered lunches to frail and at-risk seniors. For more information and eligibility, please call Social Services 203-256-3170.
Grocery Bags Available to Seniors
The Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA), in partnership with Fairfield Social Services and participating Fairfield Senior and Disabled Housing sites, is providing groceries to seniors 60 and older. The program is available for seniors who do not have any means of accessing groceries or do not have family who can shop for them. Each pre-packaged grocery bag provides a one-week supply of shelf-stable items as well as fresh produce, eggs, butter, bread and toilet paper. No-contact drive-through pick-up will be available at the Bigelow Center for those who do not reside at participating Senior and Disabled Housing sites. Some limited delivery is available for individuals who meet certain physical and transportation qualifications. To sign up for this program please call 203-256-3169. |
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OPERATION HOPE FOOD PANTRY
Operation Hope wants to make sure residents of Fairfield are aware that the food pantry remains open and is ready to help by providing food and other basic needs to community residents, as they have for nearly 35 years. The pantry is currently operating as a drive-up service at 636 Old Post Road offering prepacked bags of groceries appropriate for various sized households.
The hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00-12:00; Thursday from 4:00 -6:00. Emergency bags can be provided during off hours between 9:00 and 4:00 in special cases. All that’s required for your first visit is a valid drivers license/proof of residency. |
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WHEN IT BUILDS UP, TALK IT OUT 
The Department of Children and Families (DCF), in partnership with United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 and community providers, recently launched their When it Builds Up, Talk it Out campaign.
Parents and caregivers who need someone to listen, to understand and to talk their feelings out with can connect with trained professionals by dialing 833-258-5011. |
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DOCUMENT HISTORY 
The Fairfield Museum is documenting history as it happens. Share your thoughts, feelings and memories during COVID-19 and help make history. Complete it here. |
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FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY: OPEN ONLINE
Did you know the Fairfield Library has digital resources, instant cards and can answer questions remotely? They also have virtual programs. Follow them on Facebook or visit their website!
Sign up for the library newsletter here. |
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PUBLIC SAFETY REQUESTS
In an Emergency, please Dial 911. Our Police and Fire Departments remain fully staffed, ready and able to respond to any emergency.
For non-emergency complaints or requests for service, please utilize the phone numbers below:
Police: (203) 254-4800
Fire: (203) 254-4700 |
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HELP FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
The Center for Family Justice closed its main Bridgeport offices in  response to the COVID-19 pandemic but staff is now working remotely to serve clients in crisis.
The hotline numbers are:
Domestic Violence: 203-384-9559
Sexual Violence: 203-333-2233
Spanish Hotline: 888-568-8332 |
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2020 CENSUS
While you are home, to please complete the 2020 Census. We need your participation. You can complete it online, on the phone or by mail. Click here to find out how. |
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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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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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