Coronavirus Update-Hospitalizations Increase, Summer Programming, Tennis, Fields, Clarification on Schools, Questions about Hair Salons, Dog License Extension & Case Data
May 5th–Unfortunately, but not surprising based on the recent higher growth in cases, hospitalizations in Fairfield County increased by 12 patients to 519, ending a 12-day decline in hospitalizations. Statewide hospitalizations also increased by 36 patients to 1,500.
Today, CT’s Commissioner of Childcare Services announced that licensed and municipal summer camps can open on June 29th. She had previously announced that summer camps were considered childcare, which is an essential business.
Guidelines for how camps will be allowed to operate will not be available until May 15th, but Parks and Recreation Director Steve Pierce and his team are already beginning to plan based on preliminary information. This year’s summer camp program will be smaller and different than previous summers. Expectations are that campers will be separated in groups of no more than 10 and swimming at Merwin Meadows will not be included, as it does not allow for proper social distancing. Steve and team understand the importance of camp as both childcare and as an opportunity for children to socialize, so they are committed to providing the best experience possible, within the new constraints.
As the weather warms up, we recognize the need for residents to be able to use town recreational facilities. Our goal is to meet that need in a manner that is safe for residents and town employees, while meeting social distancing guidelines and the Governor’s executive orders. To that end, later this week, Steve and team will be rolling out restricted use of a limited number of WHS tennis courts. Using the department’s e-Trak system, residents will sign up, a day in advance, for one hour of court time, comprised of 45 minutes of playing time and 15 minutes for entering and exiting the court in a manner that ensures the safety of other players. Initially, play will be restricted to singles played between family members. The rules of play, which will be similar to those recommended by the USTA, will be provided upon registration and posted at the courts. Look for further details over the next day or two.
Assuming the use of the tennis courts proceeds smoothly, additional WHS facilities, Stadium track, Stadium field and softball and baseball fields, will be made available through registration. Monitors will be present at each facility and registration will be limited to Wilton residents.
We have received a number of questions from residents and hair salon owners about the possible opening of hair salons. It is important to remember that Reopen Connecticut has not presented their recommendations, though at today’s press conference the Governor stated he expected to receive guidance on hair salons later this week.
Today, CT DPH reported 30,621 laboratory-confirmed statewide cases, 12,360 in Fairfield County and 163 in Wilton. Today’s growth in Fairfield County slowed versus the higher rate in the last five days. 368 cases have not yet been assigned to a municipality. Statewide, deaths rose by 77 to 2,633 with 935 in Fairfield County.
Today, the Governor issued Executive Order 7II, which among others, extends school building closings through the end of this school year and provides a 30-day grace period until July 31st to obtain a dog license.
Please continue to behave as if you have the virus and as if those around you do as well.
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