Town of Fairfield News
5/29/2020 - 5.28 COVID-19 UPDATE
Dear Fairfielders,
I hope you and your family are in good health and are holding up through the pandemic. It is been a little over a week since the State's Phase One reopening and our community seems to be managing very well. I'm encouraged to see residents safely dining in our restaurant's outdoor spaces and supporting our local retail shops.
I want to remind residents that per the Governor's Executive Order, face coverings are required in public when a six-foot distance is unavoidable. Please remember that wearing a face covering is meant to protect those around you. A new Executive Order will permit social gatherings of up to 10 people indoors and up to 25 outdoors.
For the latest updated guidelines from the State of Connecticut, visit: portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus.
COVID-19 CASES LOCAL AND STATE:
The rate of new positive cases in Fairfield continue to trend downward. The Town of Fairfield currently has 583 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and a total of 120 of our residents have lost their lives. Sadly, 90% of Fairfield's COVID-related deaths are from residents in one of Fairfield's seven assisted living facilities or nursing homes. My prayers continue to be with those families who have lost a loved one during this very difficult time.
Of the 573 residents who have tested positive in Fairfield, 256 have reported that they have fully recovered. Charts and data on Fairfield cases including age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing samples, and different trend lines can be found at fairfieldct.org/covid19data.
The most recently published data shows Connecticut has 41,559 positive cases, 3,826 deaths, and 648 hospitalizations. Fairfield County has 15,353 confirmed cases and 1,246 deaths. |
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REOPENING:
On May 20th, as a result of the Governor's Executive Orders, many of our restaurants now provide outdoor dining and retail stores opened for business with restrictions in place. The beach remains open to residents until 11 pm daily and beginning this weekend the public restrooms at the beaches will be open and cleaned twice daily.
On Monday, June 22nd Fairfield Public Main Library and Fairfield Woods Branch Library will launch curbside pickup to Fairfield library card holders for library items that have been placed on hold. Pequot Library will be offering the same limited service. Please visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for full details regarding this service. In the interest of everyone’s safety and health, library buildings will remain closed while providing this contact-free service. |
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| The slides outlining current guidelines for public spaces are linked below or you can visit fairfieldrecreation.com. |
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FILL PILE UPDATE:
While it has taken much longer than anticipated as a result of the pandemic, sampling will begin at the Fill Pile next week pursuant to a sampling plan that was developed with input from DEEP and EPA, and approved by DEEP. We are still awaiting approval from DEEP on our application to remediate seven additional sites around town. I continue to fully cooperate with the States Attorney's office and law enforcement as they continue their investigation into public corruption. My administration will continue to work in concurrence with DEEP and EPA. The pandemic has created a whole new level of challenges for our town government, I will continue to provide updates as they become available on the fill pile.
BUDGET UPDATE:
The final phase of the budget process will commence on Monday night, when the Board of Finance presents their budget recommendation to the Representative Town Meeting for consideration and a vote. You can view the Board of Finance approved budget here. After the RTM votes on Monday, the Board of Finance will set the mill rate for the Town on Thursday, June 4.
RESOURCES:
I hope you will take the time to look at the information and resources below that can be helpful to residents and businesses with challenges associated with the pandemic. Located below is information on social services, town openings, financial relief, and many more resources.
I hope this update is helpful and remember, we're in this together!
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
First Selectwoman |
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The public restrooms will be open at the beach this weekend. DPW will clean the bathrooms twice daily. I urge residents to remain cautious, maintain distance, wear your masks, and wash your hands.
The beaches are open until 11 pm. The parking attendants leave at 8:00 pm, the Police Department is on-site beginning at 6:00 pm, and they clear the beaches and lock the lots up by 11:00 pm. |
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FIREWORKS 
Each year, the Fairfield Police Department responds to an increasing number of fireworks complaints between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays. As we enter the heat of the summer during this unprecedented time in history, particularly with the cancellation of the Town's firework display, we would like to take this opportunity to remind residents of Connecticut's laws pertaining to Fireworks (CGS 29-357).
- All fireworks are illegal in the State of Connecticut, with the exception of sparklers and fountains.
- Only sparklers and fountains, which are non-explosive and non-aerial, are legal in Connecticut.
- Sparklers and fountains can only be legally purchased and used by persons age 16 or older.
- Novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut. In addition to being illegal, exploding devices are dangerous and can cause serious injuries. Fireworks can also cause house and brush fires.
- Illegal fireworks can bring with them not only the potential for property damage, but could cause injury or fatality to human life. If a fire or explosion caused by legal or illegal fireworks causes injuries or damage, the person responsible could be charged with a criminal offense.
Fireworks...even Sparklers...are extremely dangerous!
- More than 16,000 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.
- Sparklers account for roughly 1 out of every 4 emergency room fireworks injuries.
- Sparklers can burn at temperatures over 2000°F and can cause serious injuries.
The proper disposal of fireworks is also important!? To ensure legal fireworks have been doused with water and have properly/completely cooled before placing them in the trash away from the house/garage/porch/etc.
Residents may report the illegal use of fireworks within the Town of Fairfield by calling (203) 254-4800.
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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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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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SOCIAL SERVICES
We're all feeling anxious about the coronavirus, concerned about isolation, worried about our jobs and our families. If you are feeling anxious or fearful right now, you are not alone. Talking with people you trust about your feelings is very useful for managing stress. For more information on services available for teens, parents and all residents visit: fairfieldct.org/humanservices.
Social Services continues to assist by telephone town residents who are experiencing difficulty providing the basic needs for themselves and their families, especially during these unprecedented times. Please call with any questions or concerns: 203-256-3170. |
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BIGELOW CENTER
Transportation services will resume in June or a limited basis for medical appointments and grocery shopping.
Grocery Shopping: GBT buses will continue to provide weekly trips to the Supermarket for residents of Senior and Disabled Housing. For those who do not live in Senior and Disabled Housing, Fairfield Senior Transportation will provide rides on fixed routes based on neighborhoods either Tuesdays or Thursdays each week. Masks must be worn to board the buses. Please call for more information, hours of service, and route schedule: 203-256-3166.
Medical Appointments: Fairfield Senior Transportation will provide rides for medical appointments for Fairfield’s seniors and people with disabilities beginning June 10 on Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 9:30 – 3:00 PM (do not schedule any appointments after 1:30 PM). Reservations for rides, which are first-come, first-served for appointments, must be made no less than one week in advance. Please call the senior center for more information: 203-256-3166.
Meals for those who are unable to cook or get to the market, and Senior Grocery bags, provided by the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging, will continue to be delivered by Senior Center staff and CERT volunteers.
Bigelow Center and Social Services staff is available by phone during normal business hours to answer your questions. The Senior Center phone number is 203-256-3166, or email BigelowCenter@FairfieldCT.org. |
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FAIRFIELD SENIOR ADVOCATES
Fairfield Senior Advocates have been hosting zoom sessions on various issues such as housing, COVID, the library, and reopening. Future sessions include responses to the opening process, Probate Court operations with Judge Kate Maxham and soon to be scheduled with First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick. Check their website for details and information: fairfieldsenioradvocates.com. |
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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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COVID-19 TESTING
CVS has expanded their drive-thru testing to include 12 new sites in CT. These new sites will utilize self-swab tests and will be available to individuals meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, in addition to age guidelines. 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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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.
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00-12:00; Thursday from 4:00 -6:00. Visit operationhopect.org. |
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FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY: OPEN ONLINE
On Monday June 22nd Fairfield Public Main Library and Woods Branch will launch scheduled curbside pickup to Fairfield library card holders for library items that have been placed on hold. Please visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for full details regarding this service. In the interest of everyone’s safety and health, library buildings will remain closed while providing this contact-free service.
Fairfield Public Library continues to offer 24/7 access to their digital collection of books, music, magazines and movies plus a wide and varied assortment of virtual programs. Learn more here: fplct.librarymarket.com/.
Need a library card? Follow this link fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/my-fpl/library-cards/ and get started today!
Sign up for the library newsletter here. |
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PEQUOT LIBRARY: WE'RE HERE, WE CARE 
Pequot Library's doors may be temporarily closed, but our librarians and staff are still here for you! Enjoy digital programs like story times, author talks, book clubs, and more! Get details on our website and social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Sign up for Pequot Library's Digital Digest eNewsletter or contact our Chief Librarian for personalized book recommendations.
On Monday, June 22, Pequot will be curbside pickup. Please contact us for more information. |
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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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TOWN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
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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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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