The decision to close these spaces was not made lightly. It was a matter of health and safety in accordance with CDC guidance. Despite public health warnings to maintain social distancing to slow the spread of the virus, the town received numerous reports of large gatherings taking place in public spaces such as parks, trails, and beaches. These actions put the community at greater risk for spreading the virus and happened despite public health warnings not to do so. I myself witnessed this on Sunday at Lake Mohegan.
 
You can walk in your neighborhood and if you live near a park or the beach, you can certainly walk through those spaces. We encourage our residents to get fresh air and exercise but we are restricting areas where mass gatherings can happen and are in direct violation of CDC guidelines. This was happening in our public spaces this weekend. 

We are facing a public health crisis that our country has not experienced in over a century. I am asking the community to come together and share in this civic responsibility to keep a safe distance from one another per CDC guidelines.

If we as a community do not take these measures very seriously, many of our residents lives could be in danger. Other countries who took measures to strictly enforce social distancing were able to reduce the spread (and flatten the curve) of the virus. 

I can't stress this enough, we are in a pandemic situation and we all must take steps to mitigate it through strict SOCIAL DISTANCING. That means closing our schools, working remotely when possible, avoiding group gatherings, and canceling public events, but also making responsible choices to Flatten the Curve.

This is not a matter of enforcement; it's a matter of encouragement. We encourage all of you to find ways to spend time with your family either outside and in your home while we are trying to navigate this pandemic. 

Sincerely,

Brenda L. Kupchick
First Selectwoman

P.S. Here is a good article on social distancing

As of 3/16/2020, Governor Lamont ordered restaurants and bars to close for dine-in. However, you can still support local establishments by ordering for delivery, take out, or curb side if offered. We are compiling a list which will be up on the website soon. Additionally, you can buy gift cards to your favorite eating establishment or store to use at a future date. 

At this time, most retail stores are open however, if you choose not to visit a store, you can shop online.

Grocery store delivery options: (click on the chart below to view it bigger)

SBA assistance: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a disaster declaration for the entire State of Connecticut which enables it to begin offering disaster-relief loans to Connecticut small businesses and non-profits. Companies can now apply for loans of up to $2 million through a special page on the SBA website. SBA also has posted more information and guidance for businesses on the coronavirus response.  

Filing extensions: The State Department of Revenue Services has extended deadlines for filing and payments associated with certain state business tax returns. Details are on the DRS website.

Unemployment assistance: Workers directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic no longer must be actively searching for work. Employers who are furloughing workers can use the Department of Labor’s shared work program, which allows businesses to reduce working hours and have those wages supplemented with unemployment insurance. The CT Department of Labor has posted additional information about these and other changes here.  

The State has established a website with up-to-date information on the virus, its impact and how to keep yourself and others safe.  As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I may be of any assistance.

Social Distancing - #FairfieldFlattensTheCurve

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

Some experts are advising that the US is approximately 2 weeks behind what has occurred in Italy and that the time for decisive action is now. 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.