Town of Fairfield News
6/12/2020 - 6.12 COVID-19 UPDATE
Dear Fairfielders,
It has been a challenging few months for our community and our nation.
The rate of new positive COVID-19 cases in Fairfield continues to trend downward. With this positive news, I hope our residents will continue to remain cautious. As we open more locations and allow for more gatherings, we are all taking on more risk of potentially reversing those trend lines.
Those who are at high risk should continue to take precautions and strictly follow the CDC guidelines. All residents should continue to wear face coverings in public per the CDC and Governor's executive order. We have seen many other states across the nation experience spikes as a result of reopening and we have to anticipate the possibility that it could happen here too.
The Town of Fairfield has 637 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and a total of 138 of our residents have lost their lives. My prayers continue to be with those families who have lost a loved one during this very difficult time.
Of the 637 residents who have tested positive in Fairfield, 292 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 44,689 positive cases, 4,159 deaths, and 244 hospitalizations. Fairfield County has 16,178 confirmed cases and 1,337 deaths. |
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PLANNING COMMITTEE - PATH TO RECOVERY:
The Governor's Phase 2 Reopening is approaching on June 17th and our Town is doing everything we can to help assist businesses and organizations to safely reopen in accordance with those guidelines. I have heard from some businesses who feel the guidelines are too restrictive, making it impossible to sustain their business, specifically small gyms that offer yoga and bar method. I have worked with the state delegation and local gyms owners to express their concerns and I hope the Governor will take them seriously.
Summer Camp:
I'm very proud of the Planning Committee and the Parks & Recreation Department that put a lot of effort into planning a summer camp program within the state guidelines that will offer an option to those residents who need to get back to work and require childcare. For more information or to sign up before Monday's deadline, please visit the Park & Rec website.
The Planning Committee is a subcommittee of the Emergency Management Team, made up of the Fire, Police, Health, Economic Development, Public School Administration and the First Selectwoman's office. The team met again this week with both high school headmasters to help finalize plans for the Fairfield High School's graduation ceremonies which will be held in a drive-in format at Jennings Beach. A great deal of planning and care went in to allow our graduating seniors and their families an opportunity to celebrate this special time after a very difficult senior year. I hope all Fairfield residents will join me in congratulating our Fairfield graduating seniors.
Additional executive order guidelines the committee is working on include organized athletics, fitness centers, libraries and open spaces. More information will follow soon on the June 17 Phase 2 updates.
For the latest updated guidelines from the State of Connecticut, visit: portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus. |
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RACIAL EQUALITY AND JUSTICE TASK FORCE
On Thursday, I hosted a virtual community conversation on racial injustice & inequality with a panel of Fairfield officials from the State Legislature, the Board of Selectman, a member of the RTM and the Fairfield Police Department. The forum was moderated by Rabbi Marcelo Kormis and was the first of what will be many important conversations held in our community. While I would have preferred to have held the forum with all members of our community together in the same room, I tried my best to offer a virtual opportunity for residents to share their thoughts and ideas on this very important issue.
During Thursday’s forum I announced that I appointed Selectwoman Nancy Lefkowitz as Chair of a town wide task force to address the issues of Racial Equality & Justice. I very much appreciate Selectwoman Lefkowitz’s willingness to help our community in this very important work.
I look forward to working with the task force and I am grateful for Nancy's commitment to bring together all sectors of our community to listen, learn and engage in what will be tough conversations so we can begin to make meaningful changes.
You can watch the community conversation in its entirety here.
Residents can reach out to the task force by email at REJTF@fairfieldct.org. |
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GOOD NEWS:
I had the opportunity to join Julie DeMarco for the Kick Off OF the Senior Center's Weekly Grocery Bag Pick Up. This is made possible through the Agency on Aging grant which enables the Bigelow Center to provide fresh produce, toilet paper, etc to seniors with a drive through service.
I'm very proud of our Senior Center Staff and Fairfield’s amazing CERT volunteers for always stepping up to lend a hand.
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The Town of Fairfield received a National Award from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. Jennings Beach is a winner of the America's 2020 Best Restored Beaches Award. The national award highlights the crucial role that beach restoration projects like this play to local recreation, economies, ecosystems and shoreline protection. Read more about the project here.
We're in this together!
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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HEAT KILLS: If You Love 'Em, Don't Leave 'Em
It takes just a few minutes for the temperature inside a vehicle to skyrocket, sometimes causing entirely preventable tragedies. I worked hard to launch this program in 2015 with the Fairfield Police Department, which has been replicated throughout the state, in an effort to remind residents of the dangers of leaving their kids or pets in a car during warm weather. I thank all the stores who have posted these signs in their parking lots.
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 JOIN THE FAIRFIELD KIWANIS CLUB IN HONORING OUR FRONTLINE WORKERS
A 100' wide heart ground display of flowered pinwheels beginning July 1 through July 8 at Jennings Park. Sponsor a pinwheel flower for a frontline worker with a $10 donation. The proceeds will benefit the Fairfield COVID-19 Relief Fund. More information here. |
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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 clicking below.
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| The slides outlining current guidelines for public spaces are linked above or you can visit fairfieldrecreation.com. |
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SAFETY TIPS FOR FAIRFIELD ROADWAYS:
The Fairfield Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee reminds residents that with local gyms and parks closed, more people than ever have been outside biking, walking, running and enjoying our neighborhood streets and sidewalks.
Pedestrians:
- Walk against traffic
- Use the sidewalks
- If there are no sidewalks, walk single file when in groups
Bicyclists:
- Ride With Traffic
- Announce Yourself When Approaching Pedestrians Not Facing You
- Observe All Street Signs
- Ride Single File When in Groups
- And, WEAR A HELMET!
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FARMER'S MARKETS:
Farmer's Markets are allowed per the Governor's Executive Order. The Greenfield Hill Market is currently open on Saturdays from 10-2. The Downtown Market will open on June 28th and will be following safe protocols including physical distancing. |
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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.
Residents may report the illegal use of fireworks within the Town of Fairfield by calling (203) 254-4800.
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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. 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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