Dear Residents,
I want to provide you with some critical information regarding the ongoing public health crisis. A lot has happened over the last 24 hours so I ask that you please take the time to read this update.
There are now five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Town of Fairfield. Again, I ask that you practice safe social distancing of at least six feet between non household members. All public recreational spaces will remain closed until further notice. This is to ensure health and safety of everyone in our community including you and your family.
Governor Lamont has issued an Executive Order to close physical locations for all non-essential businesses across the state beginning Monday, March 23rd at 8:00 pm through April 22nd. Everyone is encouraged to work from home if possible. Like you, my first question was “what is considered essential?” The State is working to release formal guidance by Sunday evening but from our call with the Governor the following list of businesses are considered essential:
- Hospitals, healthcare facilities, nursing homes;
- Utilities and transportation: public utilities, telecommunications, airports, bus, rail, auto repair facilities, and gas stations;
- Manufacturing of medical, scientific, diagnostic medical equipment;
- Essential retail: Convenience stores, delicatessens, grocery stores, restaurants & bars (take out or delivery only), pharmacies, and package stores;
- Social services: Childcare, homeless shelters, food banks, and anyone providing direct care;
- Construction: Critical construction, defense and national security related operations;
- Others: Trash, recycling, news media, and financial institutions such as banks
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Please watch an important video from our Police about flattening the curve
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The State of Connecticut has determined which businesses are considered essential and will publish a state level process for exemptions if you feel your business should be deemed essential. The town does not have a say in that matter. The Governor’s Executive Order can be accessed here which includes an overview of what industries are considered to be essential. All other businesses not deemed essential by the Governor’s order are directed to close their doors by 8:00 pm on Monday.
It is important to remember that grocery stores and establishments providing food are exempt and will not close.
We have met with all of the grocery store managers in town and have spoken with state officials. There is no issue with the food supply and therefore there will not be any shortages. The empty shelves are the result of unnecessary panic buying.
What the state is facing is a critical shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The Governor has asked that all healthcare providers halt all elective and non-life-saving procedures that can be delayed. He is also asking for healthcare providers, construction companies, and anyone else who has a supply of gowns, thermometers, gloves, masks, etc. to consider donating them to the state. To do so, you can call 211 or visit www.211ct.org/donationscovid19.
I worked all week with my administration and the Emergency Management Team to organize modified operations for all departments to provide town government and services to the residents of Fairfield that will go into effect on Monday March 23rd. There is a summary of each department's new operations on our homepage that can be accessed here.
Some departments and offices will be physically open at town hall by appointment only with limited staff while others will work remotely. This was designed to limit physical interaction between employees and the public to maintain safe social distancing while still performing critical services or those called for by law. I ask for your patience and understanding during this time.
The town has closed for short periods of time in the past during emergencies but this is the first time that we have had to operate under these conditions, and it took quite a bit of work to quickly plan for and deliver critical services with a limited physical presence at Town Hall. I am so incredibly proud of all of our town employees who have worked so hard this week and am committed to ensuring their safety as well as that of our residents.
In addition to maintaining the day to day operations of town government, my administration met every day with our emergency management incident command team to manage this ongoing situation. I have held several press conferences, issued “Code Red” calls, and sent daily email updates to keep residents informed. We have also been on numerous calls with Governor Lamont, state and local leaders, and emergency management and public health officials throughout the week to ensure we are working together to help flatten the curve and save lives.
Friday evening emergency management command team meeting
I continue to urge residents to stay home unless you are going out for groceries, food, or medical supplies. We have compiled a list of local restaurants who are doing delivery and curb side pick up. I hope you will join me in supporting them during this difficult time.
I want you to know that I remain committed to my oath of office to serve our town to the best of my ability so help me God. Fairfield can rest assured that your town government is working every day to serve you.
We will get through this together!
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
First Selectwoman
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TOWN GOVERNMENT
Each department will have new guidelines as to how you can reach them on various services. Please visit this summary page for an overview and follow links to specific departments for more information.
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RESTAURANTS 
Fairfield is lucky to have countless restaurants that have altered their businesses to provide take out, delivery and curbside pick up.
Click on the image to the right view the full listing.
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GROCERY STORES
We are in communication with the local grocery stores and they are all receiving regular deliveries. Many are offering curbside pick up and deliver. Refer to our website for more information.
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PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
The Governor has announced they are postponing the Presidential primary to June 2nd.
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- Practice social distancing
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Wash your hands often for 20 seconds with warm soap and water. Hand washing is preferred but if not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue immediately away
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects (including your cell phone and computer keyboard) and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipe
- Face masks are recommended for use for only people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
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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 7 am - 7 pm.
For additional information and prevention tips, refer to the Health Department website at: www.fairfieldct.org/health or the Fairfield homepage under news at www.fairfieldct.org. |
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PREVIOUS COVID-19 UPDATES:
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