Town of Fairfield News
11/13/2020 - 11.13 TOWN UPDATE
Good Afternoon Fairfielders,
The number of positive cases in Fairfield and across the State continues to increase. Fairfield was moved to the red alert category, among 100 other towns of the 169 in the State.
With an increase in positive tests, the Health Department's contact tracers have a much larger volume of calls to make to residents. Through grants, we have been able to hire more contact tracers to assist with the increased workload. However, if you have received a positive COVID-19 test result and have not heard from the Health Department, please call 203-256-3022 24/7.
Based on the Connecticut Department of Public Health alert system and framework, public events should be canceled and community gathering points should be limited. Additionally, the state recommends postponing all indoor activities, and outdoor activities where masks or social distancing cannot be maintained.
Most importantly, and I can't emphasize this enough: if you have symptoms, stay home; if a household member tests positive, get a test and stay home; if you are pending results of a test, stay home. Through contact tracing, our Health Department is reporting that many residents are failing to follow these guidelines, which has caused dozens of residents to quarantine. |
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| If an individual is a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, he or she must quarantine for 14 days from the last known exposure to the positive case. We encourage close contacts to get tested, but it is advisable to wait at least 5 days after the exposure to determine better if they have been infected and need to isolate if they are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19. It takes a few days after exposure for the virus to build up enough to enable a positive test result. If you remain asymptomatic and would like to test, it is recommended that you get a PCR test. For a list of testing locations in the area, please visit www.fairfieldct.org/covid19testing. |
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COVID-19 Data
As a reminder, the Governor has implemented Phase 2.1 sector guidelines limiting private gatherings. You can read the updated guidelines here and the Business Sector guidance you can read here.
Charts and data on Fairfield cases, including age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing results, different trends, and university statistics, can be found at www.fairfieldct.org/covid19data. When looking at the data page, please be sure to read the notes around each chart as they offer explanations of some of the changes in the data. The Health Department updates this page daily.
The Health Department also updates the COVID-19 School Data page, which details the school-related metrics and is updated each week as the State releases the data. The Fairfield Board of Education also has a dashboard on their homepage at https://www.fairfieldschools.org.
Our Health Department continues to participate in calls with the State Department of Public Health and the Universities. They are taking increased measures to protect their students and our community.
Fairfield University:
Fairfield University is in their final week of classes before the Thanksgiving holiday. Gatherings in groups of more than 5 either indoors or outdoors is not permitted. Recreational and athletic department activities have been paused for 14 days.
All dining at Fairfield University will be grab and go, and the Stag Bus that transports students around Town has been suspended and there are new curfews in place.
Fairfield University has implemented a zero-tolerance policy with regards to students not following the mitigation strategies in place. Failure to comply may result in permanent separation (i.e. expulsion from the University). Read more here.
Sacred Heart University:
Read the latest update here.
Both universities have dashboards with their daily testing information, which can be found here:
Fairfield University's Dashboard
Sacred Heart University's Dashboard
I urge our residents to continue to wear masks, frequently wash your hands, and maintain a social distance from others.
The Town placed signs around the community and in windows of local business as part of our PSA campaign with the video we recently launched, to help remind residents that we are all in this together, and we all need to do our part. |
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THANKSGIVING
With the upcoming holidays approaching, many families will have to make decisions on how to celebrate safely. Health professionals have strongly suggested that families limit their Thanksgiving holiday dinners to immediate family only. I know this is isn't easy, however every one of our actions will directly impact only our entire community, but our own families as well.
Currently, the Governor has limited private gatherings to 10. Whatever you decide, please keep in mind the number of households you are bringing together and who among you might be most vulnerable. The State and CDC have put out guidance on ways to celebrate safely. Click on the image to read some suggestions from the Town of Fairfield. |
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COLLEGE STUDENTS RETURNING TO FAIRIFIELD
For parents who have children returning home from college for the holidays, please take note of the guidance provided by the state provided through the links below.
Connecticut’s travel advisory requires students, or any resident that travels from a state on the advisory list, to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Connecticut. Please check the list linked below and follow the recommendations accordingly. They may test out this mandatory quarantine by obtaining a negative COVID-19 PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival or by having a negative test after arrival. They must quarantine until the negative test result is received.
If they are traveling from an area not affected by Connecticut’s travel advisory, consider taking a COVID-19 PCR test and only travel if the result is negative. I hope parents of college students from non affected states will consider limiting contact to people in your household for 14 days once back in Connecticut, in an effort to keep our community safe.
Students should avoid contact with vulnerable family members for 14 days after arriving home and prior to any holiday gathering. The Town has been working for the last several weeks with the State to provide an additional testing site in the Town of Fairfield, but as you can imagine, demand for additional testing is high. The Health Department will continue its effort to expanding testing opportunity in Fairfield. |
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VETERANS DAY
It was wonderful to again celebrate with the Kiwanis Club in Fairfield's Field of Valor, which honors our Veterans who served our nation. Our freedom is the most defining characteristic that makes us Americans - and without it, we are without self or purpose - or a future.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same" - Ronald Reagan
He was right. It is our veterans past and present that duty falls to; it is because they believe, lucky for the rest of us, that some things are worth dying for - defending our freedom of tyranny, protecting the homeland from terrorists and, preserving our way of life.
Words cannot describe the debt of gratitude that is due to our nation's Veterans. I hope you took time on Veteran's Day to reflect on the sacrifices made on our behalf. |
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| There is still an opportunity to honor a friend or family member by reserving a flag at the 2020 Field of Valor. Please visit fairfieldkiwanis.org/flag. The proceeds benefit Homes for the Brave, which is an organization that supports homeless Veterans. The cost is $25 and you may keep your flag or donate it for use in the following years. |
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SWEARING IN CEREMONY
This week, I had the pleasure to swear in Fairfield's newest member of the Police Department, Officer Brian McPadden. He comes from 12 years of service in Shelton and joins his brother Kevin McPadden, who already serves with Fairfield's finest. Join me in welcoming and congratulating Officer McPadden. We wish you well in your new role. |
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Please note that leaf pickup has begun in Town. More dates and information are listed below or at fairfieldct.org/leaves.
We're in this together. Stay safe.
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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| FAIRFIELD MUSEUM & HISTORY CENTER
The Fairfield Museum believes passionately that history can guide us in building a better future. Throughout this  challenging year, the Fairfield Museum continues to provide valuable educational and cultural opportunities for our community in a safe and inclusive environment.
When COVID-19 struck, the Museum moved its award-winning programs online, created a virtual online learning platform in partnership with Fairfield Public Schools, adjusted its Jazz Fridays and Halloween/outdoor walking tours to provide a safe and fun environment for the community to enjoy, and opened the Museum’s first-ever outdoor exhibition.
Please consider donating to the Fairfield Museum’s Annual Fund Campaign to ensure the Museum remains a vital touchstone for our community.
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FLU SHOT CLINIC
The Health Department will be hosting a flu clinic on Saturday, November 21st from 10 am – 12 pm for anyone over the age of 3 years old. The flu clinic will take place at the Senior Center located at 100 Mona Terrace in the classrooms behind the Senior Center, by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call the Public Health Nursing Office at 203-256-3150 to schedule an appointment or find out more information. It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a flu vaccine every year and is especially important this year. The Health Department requests that you fill out the consent prior to arrival. |
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ROOSTER RIVER FLOODING MITIGATION WORKSHOP
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| EMERGENCY ALERTS | WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news from the Town of Fairfield, CT, by signing up for the Fairfield Alert system. This system enables us to quickly provide you with critical information in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods and other emergency situations.
You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. You pick where, you pick how!
If you were previously registered with us on the CodeRed system, you must sign-up again by following the instructions below, in order to continue receiving Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield.
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FAIRFIELD SOCIAL SERVICES HOLIDAY GIVING PROGRAM
It is hard to believe it’s time to start planning for the holidays! The Town of Fairfield, our residents, neighbors, town employees, businesses, clubs, schools and individuals have always been incredibly generous to our Holiday Program over the years and have made a real difference in the lives of the families and seniors we serve. We are hoping we can count on your support again this year.
Rather than collecting wrapped gifts and toys, this year we are requesting gift cards for local supermarkets, toy stores - anywhere families may shop for their loved ones for the holidays. During this special, yet stressful time of year, our goal is to support parents with gift cards.
On behalf of the families that receive the support from the Holiday Giving Program, the Town of Fairfield and Department of Human and Social Services would like to thank the community for keeping all our residents in mind for the upcoming holiday season. If you are interested in donating or receiving holiday help, please contact Fairfield Social Services by calling 203-256-3170 or by email at socialservices@fairfieldct.org. Donations are gratefully accepted during business hours 9 AM to 4:30 PM at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield CT 06824 |
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FEELING IN CRISIS?
When you're feeling overwhelmed, know that there are free options to help you talk through your crisis--and to send help when necessary. Fairfield Social Services is here to help. Call 203-256-3170 for more information.
Being a parent or caregiver during COVID can be extremely stressful. It is perfectly normal to be experiencing varying emotions and feel overwhelmed. No matter what you're feeling, we're here to listen. Parents and caregivers can call the toll-free Talk It Out line to discuss their feelings in a judgement-free environment. Call: 1-833-258-5011 or Visit: www.talkitoutct.com
Resources for Mental Health:
If you or a loved one is struggling:
- CT Information Hotline 211 or go to www.211ct.org for mobile crisis support for individuals and/or children.
- The Hub CT is Southwest Connecticut’s Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization. Check their website for useful resources for mental health, prevention and wellness. https://www.thehubct.org/
- Mental Health Crisis Text Line - Text “SHARE” to 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Kids in Crisis also has a 24-hour hotline for assistance 203-661-1911.
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health):If you need to talk to someone, text NAMI to 741741 or call the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
- Alcoholics Anonymous - Please contact your site to see if meetings are continuing in your neighborhood.
- Bridgeport Hospital’s REACH Program is an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for children, adolescents, adults and seniors. REACH is accessible to anyone, and covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance programs. Please click this link to learn more about the extensive range of treatment options available |
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LOVE LOCAL E-GIFT CARD PROGRAM 
The Town of Fairfield and the Chamber of Commerce launched a new buy local initiative with the Fairfield Community e-Gift Card program, which is exclusive to Fairfield businesses only. This is a great gift for Fairfield residents this holiday season! Read the Fairfield Citizen article on the program here. |
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| CONNECTICUT CARES SMALL BUSINESS & NONPROFIT GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE
DECD began accepting applications for the Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program. Small businesses and nonprofits in Connecticut with a 2019 annualized payroll of less than $1.5 million OR 20 or fewer employees can receive a one-time grant of $5,000. All funding will be disbursed by the end of December and will not require repayment.
The grant can be used for rent, payroll, utilities, inventory or complying with the CT Reopen Business Sector Rules. Full details including eligibility requirements, a schedule for virtual office hours, FAQs, other resources, and the application can be found here.
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| FAIRFIELD REVALUATION
The Connecticut General Statutes requires each town to do a revaluation every five years. The Town of Fairfield is in the process of a real property revaluation as required for the Grand List of October 1, 2020. This revaluation will correspond to the tax bills that will be due beginning in July 2021. For more information, click here.
To listen to the presentation from Assessor Ross Murray and Mike Fazio at the October 5 Board of Selectman meeting, click here.
Revaluation notices are scheduled to be mailed the week of November 30th. The notice will indicate the prior town assessed valuation from the 2015 revaluation and the new proposed assessed value from the 2020 revaluation. The value will be the total assessed value which is 70% of the market value. The value will not include any exemptions i.e. veteran exemptions but will include any PA 490 use classification i.e. farm land. The letter will provide instructions on how to schedule and informal hearing with Municipal Valuations should you have questions concerning the new value.
The information found on our website, https://gis.vgsi.com/fairfieldct/ is scheduled to be updated December 4, 2020.
At the December 7th Board of Selectman meeting there will be another presentation to update residents.
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| FAIRFIELD PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT |
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What’s your story? What’s your reason?
DO YOUR PART...Wear a mask!
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| Download the video here so you can upload it to social media, or share it from the links below, to continue to remind our residents that part of our civic responsibility to each other is to wear a mask. |
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APPLY FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE 
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is for families in need of energy assistance, Fairfield Social Services coordinates with Alliance For Community Empowerment to help to obtain necessary energy services for Fairfield residents in need. Energy assistance pays for a household’s primary heating source such as oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal, wood and wood pellets on behalf of eligible households. The amount of heat assistance may not be sufficient to cover a household’s entire winter heating cost. Homeowners and renters may apply. To make an appointment to see if you’re eligible, or if you have questions, please call Social Services 203-256-3170. |
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DOGS ON LEASH
As of October 1st, Dogs are permitted on Town of Fairfield Beaches, however, they are prohibited from Boardwalks, Pavilions and playgrounds. Persons responsible for dogs must clean up after their animals while they are on the beach, in open spaces or in the parking areas. Dogs are not permitted in any Town of Fairfield parks or playground areas.
The CDC Guidelines have not changed regarding dogs being leashed at all times and under the control of their owner. I know our town has allowed dogs to be unleashed at Jennings Beach and at Lake Mohegan, however it would not be responsible for the Town of Fairfield to ignore the CDC guidelines during this pandemic. I hope our Town's dog owners understand that we must follow these guidelines while visiting any Fairfield Parks, Beaches & Open Spaces.
According to the CDC, we should "treat pets as you would other human family members to protect them from a possible infection." The "CDC recommends that pet owners limit their pet’s interaction with people outside their household."
In addition, the CDC states that you should "walk dogs on a leash at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others" and "avoid public places where a large number of people gather."
We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
For the complete text of the Town Ordinance pertaining to dogs on beaches, open space areas, and marinas, go to: https://buff.ly/34jJsKm |
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FAIRFIELD BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE: 
The Town of Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee has been working to encourage walking and biking for transportation, recreation, exercise and quality of life.
Working with multiple town departments we have established bicycle routes, installed bicycle repair stations, worked to improve pedestrian infrastructure, and authored the Town of Fairfield Complete Streets Policy (approved by the Board of Selectman in 2018).
With more and more of our citizens using our roads, we would like to provide you with some important safety reminders for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. View the document here. |
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TOWN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Sullivan Independence Hall and Old Town Hall are open to the public by appointment only for the safety of employees and residents. Please visit this summary page for an overview and follow links to specific departments for more information. |
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Help is available to Fairfield small businesses that are struggling due to the pandemic. The Fairfield COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program was established to provide limited, one time direct financial assistance to eligible Fairfield small businesses that have no more than five full-time employees and that have been adversely affected by the public health emergency. Applications are still being accepted by the Office of Community & Economic Development. To learn more or to apply, please visit the website: www.fairfieldct.org/covidsbr.
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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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SOCIAL SERVICES
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 or visit at fairfieldct.org/humanservices. |
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BIGELOW CENTER
Transportation services are running on a limited basis for medical appointments and grocery shopping. Reservations for rides are first-come, first-served for shopping and medical appointments and must be made no less than one week in advance. Please call the senior center for more information: 203-256-3166.
The buses may only transport four riders per trip. For those who do not live in Senior and Disabled Housing, Fairfield Senior Transportation will provide rides Tuesdays or Thursdays each week. Masks must be worn to board the buses. Rides are now available to medical appointments for Fairfield’s seniors and people with disabilities on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 9:30 – 3:00 PM.
If you or anyone you know are homebound and unable to shop, the Mobile Food Pantry is available every other week and lunches are available for those who are homebound. Please call Social Services for more information: 203-256-3170. |
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COVID-19 TESTING
Testing capacity has increased in our area. To view locations where to get tested, please visit fairfieldct.org/covid19testing.
Contact Tracing
One of the key tools we have to contain the spread of COVID-19 is Contact Tracing. For this initiative to be successful, the Health Department needs the cooperation of residents who test positive for COVID-19. Both Universities were trained and assisted by our Health Department to manage their own contact tracing for their respective campuses.
The primary purpose of contact tracing is to identify and notify direct contacts of confirmed cases as quickly as possible and to ensure those exposed are self-quarantining. The information provided in the interviews with confirmed cases helps reduce the potential spread of the virus in our community.
Any Fairfield resident who tests positive for COVID-19 and has not received a phone call from the Fairfield Health Department or the Connecticut COVID Tracing system within 24 hours of receiving their result is urged to contact the Fairfield Health Department at 203-256-3022. |
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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.
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
 The Fairfield Public Main Library is open for quick browsing and checkout Monday-Saturday afternoons 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Learn more about Library Express service.
Please visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for full details regarding Curbside Pickup at the Main Library and Woods Branch Library. Fairfield Public Library continues to offer 24/7 access to their digital collection of books, music, magazines, movies and databases. Visit the Library Event Calendar to find a wide and varied assortment of Virtual Programs.
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. |
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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.
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