Good Afternoon Fairfielders,

We currently have 94 positive cases in the town of Fairfield. This is an increase of 25 cases in 48 hours. We received word today that a 72 year old man became the 5th Fairfield resident to pass away from COVID-19. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families who are dealing with loss during this challenging time.

According to Health Director Sands Cleary, modeling shows that we will likely see a peak of COVID-19 activity in our community on or about April 15th. Accordingly, the medical community expects overwhelming demands will be placed on our health care system and health care providers during the coming weeks. 

Many of you received our Code Red message over the weekend informing residents that Farifield police are moving from encouragement to enforcement of measures put in place to help stop the spread of the virus. The town received numerous reports of residents entering closed spaces and signs and blockades were removed or damaged. Residents will face fines if they enter closed town spaces. News 12 ran a report you can watch below on these changes. 

News 12 Connecticut Report on Police Enforcement

A recent change to the CDC guidelines recommends that residents now wear cloth coverings over their mouth when in public. You can learn how to make your own mask on our website here.  We have also instituted a mask policy for Town employees. 
 

Today, we held a meeting with all of the grocery stores to get an update on operations and food supplies. We relayed residents concerns about employees wearing masks and gloves at the stores and strongly encouraged they make it a priority. Per CDC guidelines, shoppers should also wear face coverings.

All stores noted that they continue to receive regular deliveries of most items, including some items that remain in high demand, such as eggs, paper products, and cleaning supplies. To address the high demand and shortages, the stores are attempting to identify alternate supply sources for high demand items as they remain in limited supply and frequently sell out. The upcoming holidays will create greater strain on these commodities. 

I ask that residents be respectful in not over buying products so we can make sure residents who need these products can purchase them. Also, in following CDC guidelines, shopping trips should be limited to one person per household. Spouses, partners, and children only add to the risk of exposure.

Many restaurants are offering holiday meals with curbside pick-up. Please refer to our restaurant list too see what locations are open.

There is new information and more resources for residents at the bottom of this email.

We have the technology to stay socially connected while remaining physically distant. We will get through this together if we stay apart. 

Sincerely,

Brenda L. Kupchick
First Selectwoman

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. 

BUSINESSES:
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. 

Paycheck Protection Program: Starting today, small businesses and sole proprietors can apply for financial assistance through their banks and credit unions. Businesses and sole proprietorships should contact their banks directly. You can apply starting today through any participating financial institution. The U.S. Small Business Administration has more information about the loans, a list of participating lenders, an application form and more.

You can always find information about federal and state programs on the state’s coronavirus website.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 
 

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
 

Sign up for CODE RED ALERTS   
 

PREVIOUS COVID-19 UPDATES:

April 3
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March 10

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Town of Fairfield

725 Old Post Rd

First Selectwoman's Office

Fairfield, CT 06824-6684

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