Town of Fairfield News
4/18/2020 - 4.18 COVID-19 UPDATE
Good Morning Fairfielders,
I know this has been a very challenging time and all of us are eager to get back to our normal lives, but unfortunately we just are not there yet. If we reopen too soon or lift distancing protocols, our collective sacrifice for the health and safety of our community, will be reversed.
The most recently published data shows Connecticut has 16,809 positive cases, 1,036 deaths, and 1,946 hospitalizations. Fairfield County has 7,146 confirmed cases and 425 associated deaths. The Town of Fairfield has 253 residents who have tested positive for COVID and a total of 26 of our residents have lost their lives.
Of the 252 residents who have tested positive in Fairfield, 91 have reported that they have fully recovered.
Acceleration Phase
While we are still in the acceleration phase of this pandemic, new data received each day changes the models predicting the peak. I am in daily conversations with the Emergency Operations team that is considering all of the data guiding the decisions we make on a local level. Our top priority will always be the safety of our residents.
According to the Fairfield Health Department, the shifting of the peak to a later date is an indicator that physical distancing is working. It is encouraging that together we have been able to flatten the curve, and while area hospitals are inundated, they are not beyond capacity at this point.
The good news illustrated by the chart below is that Fairfield’s positive rate per capita is well below Fairfield County's. Our efforts are making a difference.
Planning Our Recovery
I want to give assurance to our residents that the Emergency Operations team has begun planning a pathway for the recovery phase. While the medical data clearly shows we are not ready to take those first cautious steps in removing restrictions, we will be prepared to do so when the time comes. I will continue to post charts to my social media. You can view yesterday's charts here.
Stay Safe - Wear a Mask
Yesterday, Governor Lamont issued an order requiring cloth face coverings in public. The order, which goes into effect at 8 p.m. on Monday, says any person in public who cannot maintain a six foot distance away from others, must cover their nose and mouth with a mask or face covering. Again, I highly recommend our residents use face coverings before the Monday order.
Pedestrian Safety
Many residents have written to me concerned about pedestrian and driver safety. This week, our police department shared safety guidelines on how to share the road and stay attentive while driving. You can those safety tips here.
Helpful Resources
You can find more information and resources for our business community, tax relief, unemployment benefits, and other programs by scrolling below.
2020 Census
I also want to remind residents that 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.
Please, stay home, stay safe, and let's continue to flatten the curve. We can get through this together if we stay apart.
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
First Selectwoman |
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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
Thanks to an anonymous donor, we now have a matching program for every dollar donated, we will receive a matching dollar up to $25,000.
Shearwater Coffee will be on Facebook live with Billy Ruegger this Sunday live at 10:30 a.m. for a special concert to support the the Fairfield COVID-19 Relief Fund.
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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: The Governor recently 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 will be mailing you a notice to confirm that you do not need to refile this year.
If you are seeking the benefit for the first time you will need to apply. Please contact the office at 203-256-3110. |
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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. |
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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: Be advised that SBA has suspended taking new applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs, as both have reached their current appropriation limits. Any applications already submitted will be processed on a first-come, first–served basis, until the programs are re-capitalized.
You can find more information about federal and state programs on the state’s coronavirus website.
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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.
The Department of Labor FAQ may help. Click here. |
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BIGELOW CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES
The Bigelow Center At-Home Newsletter is now available. It’s filled with COVID-19 Resources, assistance available at Social Services, as well as online activities to keep you busy as you’re safely at home.
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. |
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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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COVID-19 TESTING
Governor Lamont today announced yesterday 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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GROCERY STORES
We are in continued communication with grocery store managers in town and have spoken with state officials. The Governor put out an 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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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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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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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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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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