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Coronavirus Update- Case Data, Impact?, Expense Reimbursement & Shopping

Posted on: March 29, 2020 - 8:26pm

March 29th - CT DPH reports 1,993 laboratory-confirmed statewide cases with 1,245 or 62% in Fairfield County and 42 in Wilton, along with 34 deaths statewide. Newly reported test results had a 33% positive rate causing the overall rate of positive tests to increase to 17%. The number of cases requiring hospitalization has increased to 20%.  Again, we think the actual number of cases is higher than reported.  If you have received a confirmed or presumptive positive test and you have not been contacted by the Wilton Health Department, please contact the department.  

There are many health professionals warning how we behave over these next two weeks will determine the magnitude of the peak of the spread of the virus. Last night, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Domestic Travel Advisory for NY, NJ and CT. This evening, the President announced the extension of federal guidelines to April 30th. With the NYC metro area a hotbed, the Governor has ordered stricter measures. Last week, the State’s Epidemiologist and Director of Infectious Diseases wrote that he expects at least 10% of CT’s population will get the virus in the next 6 to 8 weeks.  Will more than 1,800 Wilton residents get the virus in the next 5 to 7 weeks?  We don’t know.  But, we do know the best way to stop the spread is to behave as if you have the virus and as if those around you do as well.

This morning, the Governor announced he was notified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that FEMA had approved his request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Connecticut for public assistance.  The approval means state agencies and municipalities, including Wilton, are eligible for 75% of the cost of certain emergency measures, subject to FEMA requirements and restrictions. The Governor’s other request for assistance, including that for individuals, is still under consideration. 

In anticipation of such, Town and Schools CFO Anne Kelly-Lenz had already set up the necessary financial systems to capture expenses related to this emergency.

Today, in response to what he viewed as residents utilizing shopping as a means for the entire family to get out of the house together, Norwalk’s mayor issued an order requiring Norwalk families to limit themselves to only one family member at the same time per visit to a Norwalk store, with certain exemptions for single parents and such.  We aren’t aware that this is occurring in Wilton, but we certainly support the message of the Mayor’s order.  We urge that only one family member at a time shop or pick up restaurant take out, whether in Wilton or Norwalk, and while waiting in line or for pick up, please keep six feet between yourself and the other customers and employees.  

As of this hour, the Governor has not issued any additional Executive Orders.  If a new order is issued, I will include information in tomorrow’s update, unless the contents are such as to require a second update this evening. 

If you have any questions, email me or the appropriate town department.  

Thank you,

Lynne Vanderslice

First Selectwoman

What Can You Do to Help Stop the Spread?

  • Maintain a distance of 6 feet between you and another person.  This standard applies whether inside or outside.
  • Consolidate your shopping and errands to minimize the numbers of days you must leave your home.  
  • Please do not to run to the store every time you hear a delivery has arrived. Widespread overbuying is the major cause of shortages.  With businesses and schools closed and not ordering, new supply chains are open.
  • Take advantage of the delivery options offered by many Wilton businesses.
  • Practice your team sport on your own, not with your teammates.  The internet is full of videos and suggestions on how to do this. 
  • Do walk outside. If your street is walkable, please consider walking there rather than a public trail. When the NRVT parking lot, or that of another trail, is more than 50% full, please find another place to walk.  There are 127 miles of town-owned roads, more than 80 private roads and more than 3 miles of sidewalk on state-owned roads.
  • Please respect the town’s closure of fields and recreation facilities.