Coronavirus Update-Basketball Courts Closed, COVID-19 Tax Deferral-New Deadline & Detailed Case Data

July 15th –The following are highlights versus yesterday from the CT DPH report as of 8:30 p.m. July 14th:

  • Wilton: no new cases reported. 
  • Hospitalized Patients: Statewide, a 1-patient net increase. Fairfield County, a 4-patient net decrease. 
  • Deaths: Statewide 8 deaths.  Fairfield County 2 deaths.  

During the reopening phases, one goal of town decision makers is to facilitate resident enjoyment of town facilities and resources in a manner that is safe and minimizes the spread of the virus.  We have been concerned about the 23 reported cases since the start of Phase 2 and other unreported cases, of which we are aware.  Across the state, residents aged 29 and below comprise the largest increase in share of statewide new cases.  We are seeing the same trend in Wilton. 

Sports is one area of close contact among those residents aged 29 and below.  We are looking closely at what is occurring at our recreational facilities. This includes both organized activities through youth sports programs and non-organized use.  On recent evenings, at any one time, there have been close to 20 residents on the Comstock basketball court.  As you all know basketball requires very close contact. Today, Wilton’s Health Director closed all town-owned basketball courts.

We will continue to discuss the situation.  In the meantime, it is critical that all residents exercise good judgement about minimizing the spread of the virus.  Youth sports organizations must actively monitor compliance with their plan for play.  Residents attending games should follow social distancing and face-covering requirements.  

Tonight, the Board of Selectmen extended the deadline until July 31st to submit the application and required documentation for the COVID-19 Tax Deferral Program.  The application, required documentation and eligibility guidance are available on the Town website.  There will not be further extension for incomplete applications. 

The CT Data Center reported the following for Wilton as of 8:30 p.m. July 14th and versus the dates prior to the start of Phase 1 and Phase 2:

  • 230 cases, 23 additional since June 16th and 30 since May 19th
  • 2,081 residents tested, 931 since June 16th and 1,331 since May 19th
  • 2,677 tests performed, 1,225 since June 16th
  • 41 deaths, no change since June 16th and 4 additional since May 19th

The State does not provide detailed data on antibody testing. 

CT DPH reported the following for Fairfield County and Statewide as of 8:30 p.m. July 14th:

  • 16,993 cases, 612 additional since 6/16         47,637 cases, 2,207 additional since 6/16
  • 1,387 deaths, 35 additional since 6/16           4,380 deaths, 161 additional since 6/16
  • 18 hospitalized, 50 less than 6/16                   67 hospitalized, 119 less than 6/16

Please,

  • If you travel to one of the states identified for quarantine, please quarantine for the full 14 days away from other household members.  
  • If you have a visitor from one of those same states, have them quarantine away from you and other household members. 
  • Whether within or outside your home, please maintain 6 feet of distance from those with whom you don’t reside and wear a face covering, unless you have a medical condition.
  • Avoid or minimize participation in higher risk activities.

Out of respect for each other, as Americans that care for each other, we need to be wearing masks in public when we cannot social distance.”  Dr. Deborah Birx, Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

As always, if you have any questions, please email the appropriate town department or me at lynne.vanderslice@wiltonct.org.  

Thank you,

Lynne Vanderslice

First Selectwoman