Coronavirus Update- Cases, Masks and Positive Stories in the News

April 16^th –Today we began to hear from State and Federal officials about what might be required for Connecticut and other parts of the country to begin to re-open by region or by state or by region within a state.  Why would such an approach make sense?  Varied spread across the country, as evidenced by per capita data published by the New York Times, demonstrates why this approach is reasonable.  The following is a sample of cases per 100,000 people as of April 14^th:

*Per 100,000 people

The following are today’s cases per capita for Wilton and area communities:

*Per 100,000 people

Connecticut doesn’t currently meet any of the possible requirements, which means we must continue to behave as if we have the virus and as if those around us do as well.  Many states are requiring their residents wear masks while in public. Governor Lamont hasn’t yet issued an executive order on the subject, but the Governor and Wilton officials are recommending that you do wear a cloth mask.  We also remind walkers, bikers and joggers to be mindful of maintaining distance from others with whom you are sharing the road.  Please move to single-file.  If you have worked up a sweat, please allow for more than 6 feet.  

Parents have been sharing their children’s positive experiences. It was nice to hear about WHS Lacrosse Coach Steve Piersall providing workouts that can be done at home, which helps keep them off the fields.  He is also ensuring the members continue to feel like they are part of a team.  You can also read about the work of Assistant Superintendent for Special Services Andrea Leonardi and speech and language pathologists Katie Miller and Jo Lawrence. 

Today, CT DPH reports 15,884 laboratory-confirmed statewide cases with 6,816 or 43% in Fairfield County and 100 in Wilton. Approximately 3.4% of total reported cases have not yet been assigned to a municipality. The daily test positive rate continues to bounce up and down.  Today’s is 38% versus yesterday’s 18%.  Currently 1.5% of the State’s population has been tested.  Deaths have risen to 971, with Fairfield County at 406. The number of cases currently hospitalized increased to 1,926, with 787 in Fairfield County.  

The Governor did not issue an executive order today.

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

What should you do to stop the spread?

• Stay home.
• Maintain a distance of 6 feet between you and another person.  This standard applies whether inside or outside.
• Wear a mask when in public.
• Respect the Governor’s prohibition on social or recreational gatherings of more than 5 people, including leisure gatherings.
• Consolidate your shopping and errands to minimize the numbers of days you must leave your home.  If the store parking lot is more than half full, return home and shop at another time.
• 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.  

Visual of Connecticut Cases by Town