Coronavirus Update-Gatherings Under Phase 2 and 3, Tennis Sign-Up, Merwin Meadows & Case Data
May 20th–Today is the first day of Phase 1, though at today’s press conference the Governor talked about Phase 2, causing confusion for residents, who wondered whether we are skipping Phase 1. We are not skipping Phase 1. We are still in Phase 1 until at least June 19th.
If the State meets the five metrics required to move to the next phase, Phase 2 will begin on June 20th. For those planning a wedding or a family gathering this summer, during Phase 2 outdoor gatherings will be allowed for up to 50 people. During Phase 3, outdoor gatherings will be allowed for up to 100 people.
The Governor also shared businesses and activities that would be allowed to open in Phase 2, but it was noted that the guidelines for Phase 2 have not been written. We do not know what limitations and restrictions will be placed on those businesses and activities during Phase 2. Further details are not expected to be available for at least two weeks.
When making an on-line reservation on e-Trak for the WHS/RT7 tennis courts, please note that court one will be displayed first. If court one is occupied, click on the down arrow to scroll through the other courts to find an available court.
Merwin Meadows will not be open for the Memorial Day weekend. Reopening Merwin Meadows is more complicated than the previously reopened recreational facilities. We do anticipate reopening the park on a limited and restricted basis within the next two weeks, including no lifeguards and no swimming. Currently, all State inland parks are closed for swimming.
Today, CT DPH reported 39,017 or 587 new laboratory-confirmed cases statewide, as of 12:00 p.m. today. Of those 14,719 and 187 new cases were in Fairfield County, with Wilton remaining at 200 cases. 202 cases have not yet been assigned to a municipality. Bridgeport continues to drive the growth in Fairfield County cases. During the last seven day, cases in Bridgeport were up 16%, Stamford 3.6% and Fairfield County 8%. Bridgeport has 3,042 cases and a population of approximately 145,000. Stamford has 3,063 cases and a population of approximately 130,000.
Today’s report included 5,198 new tests performed for a pandemic-to-date total of 190,718.
Statewide deaths rose by 57 to 3,529. Deaths in Fairfield County rose by 7 to 1,167. Again, once the Town Clerk receives the required report and certificates from Norwalk and other municipalities, we’ll provide data for Wilton.
Statewide hospitalizations decreased by 27 patients to 887 and Fairfield County hospitalizations decreased by 15 to 272.
The Governor issued Executive Order 7QQ, which among others, allows residents to request an absentee ballot due to COVID-19.
Now and throughout Phase 1, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others is to follow the law:
- When in public and a 6-foot distance is unavoidable, including from a family member, wear a required face covering, unless doing so would be contrary to your health because of a medical condition. This applies whether outside or inside a retail establishment.
- While outside exercising alone, if you aren’t wearing a face covering, maintain a 6-foot distance from others running or walking on the same road, sidewalk or trail.
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