As of Thursday, March 26, there are 55 Greenwich residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, according to Greenwich Health Director Caroline Baisley. That is the same number reported on Wednesday, March 25.
As of noon today, Thursday, March 26, there were 161 total patients at the Greenwich Hospital outpatient site, who have tested positive. Also, as of noon Thursday, there were 49 positive patients in the hospital, being treated in several different units.
As an essential service in responding to COVID-19, the Greenwich Department of Health is continuing to work in Town Hall with more than half of the staff. The team is monitoring COVID-19 reported cases who are isolated at home. In addition, close family members of COVID-19 patients are quarantined and being monitored for possible signs and symptoms.
Another required public health intervention measure taken by the Department of Health staff is Contact Tracing, through which the Department is monitoring people who have or may have had a close and prolonged contact with a COVID-19 patient. If you become ill, please contact your healthcare provider and also call the Greenwich Department of Health if you were in close and prolonged contact with a person known to have COVID-19.
The Department of Health has five phone lines specifically dedicated to the public for questions and answers about COVID-19. They are: 203-622 -7865; 203-622-7703; 203-622- 7614; 203-622-7842 and 203-622-7836.
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The Griffith E. Harris Golf Course remains closed until further notice. While the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development has relaxed restrictions to allow golf courses to open, subject to certain guidelines, in the best interest of Greenwich residents, “The Griff” remains closed.
“We could be two to four weeks away from a peak in this outbreak,” Mr. Camillo said. “While fresh air and exercise is good, I do not want to rush to reopen the course. We need to be cognizant and concerned not only of the public health, but the health of our employees as well.”
Mr. Camillo explained, “We continue to urge everyone to maintain social distancing of at least six feet. Even in large, open areas such as a golf course, there is too much risk of people gathering and mingling too closely.”
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The following BET meetings relating to the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget have been cancelled and are rescheduled as follows:
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MEETING – ORIGINAL DATE – NEW DATE AND TIME
BET Public Hearing – Monday, March 30 – Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 PM |
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BET Budget Workshop – Tuesday, March 31 – Thursday, April 23 at 9:00 AM BET Decision Day – Thursday, April 2 – Monday, April 27 at 9:00 AM |
Please note that these meetings will be held virtually and may be subject to change. Information on how to participate in the Public Hearing and how to view all the meetings will be published in advance of the meeting.
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Governor Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut small businesses and nonprofits that have been negatively impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for one-year, interest-free loans of up to $75,000 under the launch of a new program administered by the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
The Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program (https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/CT-Recovery-Bridge-Loan-Program) will make $25 million available to Connecticut businesses and nonprofits that have 100 or fewer employees to assist with cash flow. Loan amounts are up to the lesser of either three months operating expenses and/or $75,000.
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With the schools closed parents have been looking for ways to keep their children entertained with activities. Below is a list of some activities children can do on-line to while spending their time “Staying Home and Staying Safe”. The list can be found here: https://www.greenwichct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14573/PSA-Kids-Webpages-3252020
Reminders and other helpful tips:
- The CT Office of Early Childhood is reminding first responders and healthcare workers that child care is available for essential workers. Where possible, for those who have to work, first look to trusted friends, neighbors, and family members who are not in a high- risk category to fill in care for children. For healthcare workers and first responders who are not able to find trusted family or friends for child care, please call the 2-1-1 dedicated number 860-756-0864 for support.
- Violators of the Town-wide parks closure declaration may be cited for trespassing or more severe criminal sanctions in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes.
- 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.
Resources for residents and businesses:
- For Seniors, the Greenwich Commission on Aging/Greenwich Senior Center has teamed up with faculty and staff from Greenwich Country Day School to launch the new digital program, CONNECTT- Connecting Our Neighbors Naturally Enriching Community Through Technology. For information about the various services available, please log onto the Center’s webpage (https://www.greenwichct.gov/199/Senior-Center)
- 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 https://www.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: https://www.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
- The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce has compiled a listing of food-related businesses that are offering take-out and delivery services. The list can be found here: http://business.greenwichchamber.com/news/details/news-release-3-18-2020
