Coronavirus Update-Cases, Senior Tax Relief and Emergency Responders

March 24th-Today, the number of positive cases in CT grew by approximately 50%.  Further evidence of why we all must behave as if we have the virus and as if those around us do as well.

CT DPH reports 13 laboratory-confirmed cases in Wilton, 384 in Fairfield County and 618 statewide.  There have been 12 deaths, 7 of which are in Fairfield County.  Our neighboring communities are experiencing a high number of cases with Westport at 79, Norwalk at 46 and Ridgefield at 34, one-half of which is from one facility.  

The Financial Times published sobering graphics comparing the rate of spread in the United States and New York City versus other countries and their cities. 

In response to our increase in cases, we have temporarily increased health department staffing to ensure Health Director Barry Bogle and his department have enough resources to perform contact tracing and monitor impacted residents. The State is no longer performing contact tracing.  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.  

Thank you to our friends at the NRVT for signage along the trail reminding folks to keep their distance.  The same applies at all other popular walking and dog walking trails and open spaces.

For seniors concerned about the May 15th deadline for senior tax relief applications, we will be extending the deadline.  Look for details in future e-alerts and in a mailing in early April. The application is now available online.

If you are on Facebook, please watch two videos from our emergency response personnel.  Wilton Firefighter Dave Chaloux provides important information on emergency responses in the era of Coronavirus on the Wilton Firefighters – Local 2233 (Wilton CT) page.  Police Captain Rob Cipolla reads the book What Do You Do With A Problem? to Wilton’s children on the Wilton, CT Police Department page.  You don’t have to be a child to appreciate the message.  Both videos are also available on my F S Lynne Vanderslice page.

This situation is difficult for everyone, whether parents, who today heard the Governor say schools may not reopen for this school year or seniors or others that live alone or those with loved ones suffering from the virus. Thank you to everyone for staying home and maintaining your distance to help yourself, your fellow community members and our emergency responders.

As always, 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.