By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
Last Thursday, there were 99 COVID-19 positive patients hospitalized at Greenwich Hospital, and on Friday, there were 84. Now after the weekend, that number has dropped once again to 73.
To date, 341 patients have been discharged from the Hospital and continue their recuperation at home. There have been 4,481 people have been tested at the Hospital outpatient test site with 1,582 testing positive. All of these numbers reflect patients who live in Greenwich as well as from other municipalities in Connecticut and Westchester County.
According to the Greenwich Health Department, as of Monday, 630 Greenwich residents have tested positive for COVID- 19, up from 613 last Friday. The Connecticut Department of Public Health reports that 33 Greenwich residents have died from COVID-19, as of Sunday.
Chef Operating Officer of Greenwich Hospital, Diane Kelly, said the hospital is looking to see if they can have a 14-day decline in numbers related to COVID-19.
“That would be a real good positive indiciation for all of us, but we’re on day four. It’s encouraging because we are seeing less patients test positive, we’re seeing less patients come into the hospital, we are continuing to see patients discharged,” she said. “Also, we’re seeing more patients come into the hospital with non-COVID diagnoses. There is a concern that some people are delaying seeking treatment [for other health issues], which has always been a worry. People still need to be able to monitor what their health condition is and reach out to the appropriate person… We’re seeing more people come into the Emergency Room that quite frankly need to be there. That’s a good sign.”
First Selectman Fred Camillo said the town is close to coming up with plans to partially reopen beaches, but he cited the difficulties California has had on its beaches with social distancing and large crowds.
“We’re not there yet. It’s very risky when you’re reopening things. People have overwhelmingly been terrific in following the guidelines, so we’re relaxing a few here and there to get people out and about excersixing and enjoying our town. We’ll be monitoring everything,” he said.
Camillo also noted that he will soon release more plans regarding town marinas. Starting April 30, there will be limited access – two days per week – to Town marinas for boat owners whose vessels are in winter storage. Specific details on which days and the hours of access will be communicated via email to those boat owners.
In response to a letter signed by Greenwich residents applauding Camillo’s handling and implementation of coronavirus guidelines and restrictions, he said “it was nice to see.”
“Some of the people I’m not familiar with, so I’d love to thank them all personally. It was very nice of them to do, and that’s symbolic of what we’re seeing out there. I’m sure every one of those people who signed that letter are frustrated too, and want to get out there and back to work and use the gym like all of us, but they know we have to keep our distance now to stay together later,” Camillo said. “That’s the key. You do this now because you want to be there together at a later date. The sooner we all do that, the sooner we’ll get there. That was very much appreciated.”
Previous notification on limited park use
Last week, Camillo announced that effective Monday, April 27, Binney, Bruce and Byram parks will be reopened “in a measured way”, with just walking paths accessible to residents. The fields, playgrounds, parking lots and restrooms at those facilities will not be open. The beach at Byram Park will remain closed. New signage detailing park use will be installed.
Cos Cob Park will also be open to walkers from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, May 4. There will be park monitors on site to allow for controlled access and to ensure walkers adhere to social distancing protocols. Walkers will be instructed to walk in one direction, according to signs and arrows. The playing field, playgrounds and restrooms will remain closed. Visitors will be able to park at the Cos Cob train station.
Other resources for residents and businesses and other helpful tips
For residents with questions about COVID-19, please call the Greenwich HealthDepartment’s phone lines: 203-622 -7865; 203-622-7703; 203-622-7614; 203-622- 7842 and 203-622-7836.
To reach the Domestic Abuse Services staff at the YWCA, please call the 24/7 hotline at 203-622-0003.
Residents, who need assistance with basic needs, including food, can call the Department of Human Services at.203-622-3800.
Members of the public are encouraged to sign-up for the Town’s Emergency AlertNotification System at greenwichct.bbcportal.com/Entry
If you are concerned about an activity or a group not following COVID-19 protocols, please call the Greenwich Police Department’s non-emergency phone number: 203-622- 8004.
Don’t have a face mask? Many people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic, meaning they can transmit the virus without knowing they have it. Easy to follow instructions to make cloth facial masks can be found here
