Town of Fairfield News
4/1/2020 - 4.1 COVID-19 UPDATE
Good Afternoon Fairfielders,
As I said in my last newsletter, we are now in the acceleration phase of the pandemic in our community. The next two weeks are critical for all of us.
As of today, we have 3,557 cases in Connecticut with 85 associated deaths. The state has conducted just over 16,600 tests with about 20% coming back positive.
I am saddened to report that I was just notified of Fairfield's second death, an 87-year-old female with underlying medical conditions. My prayers are with her family during this very difficult time. There are 48 confirmed cases in the town of Fairfield including two deaths.
I have posted the number of positive cases daily to my Facebook page, to keep you informed but due to changes in testing prioritization, it does not present the full picture. At this time, testing remains limited and priority is given to those who are at high risk, first responders, and medical providers. As such, we must assume that the number of cases in our community is actually much higher. |
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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 and contact your provider. While a test would confirm the virus, it would not change treatment which includes hydration, rest, and over the counter medications to help alleviate symptoms if necessary.
The state is working with the federal government to try and increase the capacity of our hospital system through the construction of temporary hospital facilities and through the acquisition of additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, despite these efforts, there is still a chance that the healthcare system will become overwhelmed in the coming weeks. So, I am asking that you please continue to practice safe physical distancing and follow CDC recommendations to keep you, your family, and our community safe and do our part to not overwhelm local hospitals. It is going to get worse before it gets better.
Connecticut is now in the top five states for the highest number of cases per capita. I know nicer weather is approaching and spring break will leave kids wanting to go play with their friends. We have been in this together from the beginning and we have to keep working to stay apart for a little while longer. People's lives depend on our efforts to stay home and restrict contact to your immediate household.
Fairfield's Health Department participated in an informative interview with News 12 Connecticut on how to properly handle your mail. I hope you will take a moment to watch it here.
The Governor lifted the tax on disposable bags and I have now suspended the Town's plastic bag ordinance. This will allow retailers the ability to issue customers plastic bags, which would otherwise be prohibited. This measure is a safety precaution taken at the advice of health professionals.
Our emergency mobile food pantry started today in partnership with Operation Hope. I thank our social services department who worked so hard to put this together and to Operation Hope for helping to make this happen. This program is available for vulnerable populations who are advised to shelter-in-place or those who are quarantined due to COVID-19. The Mobile Pantry bus will deliver basic staples and groceries twice a month to your home. Please call Social Services for additional information at 203-256-3170.
For more information on state and federal support for businesses, click here. There is a Small Business Owner’s Guide to the Federal CARES Act here.
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 announced yesterday 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.
The Fairfield Police also wanted me to warn our residents of COVID-19 related scams that you can read more from our police department here.
We will get through this together if we stay apart. Please stay home.
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
First Selectwoman |
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TESTING & GUIDANCE
At this time testing priority is given to those who are at high risk. For more information on testing sites and protocols, please click on the image or visit: fairfieldct.org/covid19.
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Center for Family Justice recently closed its main Bridgeport offices in  response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff is now working remotely to serve clients in crisis. Domestic violence programs throughout the state are concerned victims may lack the ability to safely reach out for help as they are forced to stay in close quarters with an abuser.
The hotline numbers are:
Domestic Violence: 203-384-9559
Sexual Violence: 203-333-2233
Spanish Hotline: 888-568-8332
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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 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 requiring 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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IMPORTANT SEWER NOTICE FROM WPCA:
Please DO NOT flush rubber gloves, disinfectant wipes (or any type of wipes), paper towels, facial tissue or any materials other than toilet paper down your toilet as they are NOT designed to break down in the wastewater treatment process.
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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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