First Selectman Declares State of Emergency

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By Emma Barhydt

First Selectman Fred Camillo and Greenwich Hospital CEO Roth Norman appeared together today in the lobby of Greenwich Hospital to issue a joint statement about COVID-19.

“Today I will be declaring a state of emergency in Greenwich, which will broaden the powers of the First Selectmen to implement measures that are called for,” Camillo stated. “We’ll be closing Town Hall tomorrow to visitors– all of our town facilities and buildings will be closed.” He went on to say that parks will remain open, but playgrounds will be closed. “We’ll be reassessing on a daily basis.”

According to an emergency declaration by the Governor of Connecticut, all bars, restaurants and clubs are to close at 8PM, and only serve take-out until further notice.

CEO of Greenwich Hospital Roth Norman spoke to reassure the community that both the hospital and Yale New Haven Health Services are ready for this. “Greenwich Hospital is diligently working in preparation for the COVID-19 disease. We have been communicating and working with local, state and federal officials on preparedness. Greenwich Hospital is seeing patients in the Emergency Department. We also have segregated spaces for those who are demonstrating respiratory symptoms. We have urged our staff and the public to [practice] social distancing, wash hands, and make sure to wipe off surfaces. Our staff have gone through rigorous training on proper personal protective equipment. We are prepared for this.”

Their aim is to join nationwide efforts to “flatten the curve” of infections in order to help prevent health systems from being overwhelmed.

Afterwards, First Selectman Camillo stated that those who are financially vulnerable in town will receive assistance. Camillo requested $100,000 from the Board of Estimate and Taxation for a “public-private partnership” with local non-profits such as the United Way and Neighbor-to-Neighbor. This money is being raised to address those that are in the ALICE category (Asset Limited Income Constrained and Employed) who count for about 17,000 residents in Greenwich. “Dids who are out of school right now, who rely on free lunches– we’re going to have to make sure that everybody’s fed and we took the first step today towards doing that,” Camillo said.

For those seeking more information about COVID-19, please visit https://www.ynhhs.org/patient-care/urgent-care/flu-or-coronavirus. In addition, Yale New Haven Health has established a call center for patients, staff and community members who have questions about COVID-19. Healthcare professionals from the health system are available to answer specific questions seven days a week from 7 am – 7 pm. The call center can be reached at 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644).

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