Town Continues to Modify Operations

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As of Sunday, March 22, 2020, there are 31 positive cases of COVID-19 in Greenwich, according to Greenwich Health Director Caroline Baisley. That is up from 25 reported on Friday, March 20.

On Monday, March 23, 2020, Greenwich Hospital reports that the cumulative total of positive tests it has received is 120. The hospital currently has 28 patients who are positive.

“As more residents are tested, we are going to continue to see an upswing in the number of cases reported among Town residents,” said First Selectman Camillo. “It is imperative that we all follow the established health safety protocols. Being proactive is the only way we can collectively flatten the curve and spread of the coronavirus.”

Mr. Camillo added, “I appreciate all of the comments – both the positive and critical comments – I have received since announcing my decision to close all parks and beaches. It is my hope that this temporary inconvenience will mitigate the spread of the national health crisis in Greenwich. I am responsible for the health and safety of 63,000 people. As you can imagine, there are lots of opinions among all of them, but we make decisions based on the information

we have and I can tell you, leaving large open spaces available to the public is a recipe for disaster. Medical professionals as well as national, international, and regional trends show that this is going to grow exponentially in the coming days.”

Violators of the parks closure declaration may be cited for trespassing or more severe criminal sanctions in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes.

The Greenwich Health Department is continuing to monitor patients who are at home, investigate patients contacts with follow up as needed, as well as maintain patient public health nursing services to the elderly and homebound.

The Health Department is continuing operation of dedicated phone lines to receive residents’ calls and answer concerns. The numbers are: 203-622 -7865, 203-622-7703, 203-622-7614, 203-622-7842 and 203-622-7836. For more information on limited services during this time please visit the Department of Health’s webpage .

Please reach out to your doctor or healthcare facility if you have an upcoming appointment for the latest information on hours of operation and visitor restrictions. Many offices are now offering telemedicine services during this time.

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, call your doctor or healthcare facility before visiting. If you have questions about COVID-19, call 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644), or check the website: ynhhs.org/patient-care/covid-19.aspx

Updates on other Town Operations:

Town Hall

As of today, Monday, March 23, most employees are working from home and are available either by phone and email during business hours. The Town will continue to provide limited services where possible. If you need a Town service, please first visit the Department’s webpage. Our website and email are the preferred methods of communication during this time. Staff will make periodic checks of voicemail boxes, however, please allow additional time for responses during this situation. Given the unprecedented fluidity of this situation, expectations and operations may change at any time. This operational change will remain effective through April 23, 2020.

Holly Hill Transfer Station

Holly Hill is open, and requests compliance with social distancing when residents visit the site. There are new traffic patterns in place. Passenger vehicles will be directed through the recycling area for both trash and recycling drop off. All commercial vehicles, pickup trucks, vehicles pulling trailers, utility vans, and any other cargo type vehicle will be directed to go over the scale.

There may be delays as staff manages traffic through the site, particularly on Saturdays. Please be patient and respectful of everyone’s space.

No new permits are being issued at this time. If residents do not have a permit, they must show valid driver’s license with a local address through the car window.

The Book Swap shed and Goodwill are closed and donations are not being accepted at this time. Please do not leave donations at either of these locations.

Hours of operation continue to be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to noon. Please make every effort to limit your trips and come during the week.

Parks & Recreation

As all parks and beaches are closed, so is access to boats stored at the marinas in those parks. This includes the Grass Island Marina, Greenwich Boat Club, Byram Shore Boat Club and the Old Greenwich Yacht Club. Boat owners will be notified when they will be able to access their vessels.

Greenwich Police

The Police Department reminds residents that if you are experiencing mild symptoms of illness and are not in a high risk group that you contact your personal physician rather than call 911. If you have mild symptoms, do not go to the emergency room before contacting your doctor for direction. If you have any serious symptoms, please do not hesitate to call 911. Please save 911 for real emergencies.

Other resources for residents and businesses:

  • For those residents experiencing challenges with food, finances, and living arrangements, please call the Department of Human Services at 203-622-3800.
  • In addition to social distancing protocols, residents are encouraged to review CDC guidelines on preventing the spread of COVID-19.
  • If you experience price gouging, please contact the State Attorney General’s Office which has a dedicated phone line and website to collect information: 860-808-5318 or online at dir.ct.gov/ag/complaint
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories, of which Connecticut is included, low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please visit their website for more information on eligibility and how to apply: sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19
  • Governor Ned Lamont has provided a list defining essential businesses that are allowed to continue to operate during this time. Information can be found here. Also, there is a process to will allow business owners to file for an exemption from the order. That information can be found here: portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-for-Businesses/Essential-Business-Designation-Form

The next press update will be released Tuesday, March 24, 2020, unless there is a development that warrants immediate public notification.

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