Print
Share page with AddThis

Coronavirus Update- Mandatory Masks & Case Data & Free Rapid Testing Site

Posted on: April 18, 2020 - 7:35pm

April 18th – Yesterday Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 7BB, which requires wearing a mask or cloth face-covering in public places if one is unable to maintain a safe social distance of approximately six feet from every other person. In addition, residents must wear a mask or face-covering when using a taxi, car, livery, ride-sharing or similar service or means of mass public transit, or while within any semi-enclosed transit stop or waiting area. The use of a mask or cloth face-covering is not required by a child in a child care setting, anyone under the age of 2 years, or an older child if the parent, guardian or person responsible for the child is unable to place the mask safely on the child’s face or by those for whom it would create a health issue.  The order is effective as of 8:00pm on Monday, April 20th .  The Executive Order also includes the postponement of the Presidential Primary to August 11th. 

Today, CT DPH reports 17,550 laboratory-confirmed statewide cases with 7,363 or 42% in Fairfield County and 103 in Wilton. Approximately 3% of total reported cases have not yet been assigned to a municipality. Today’s test positive rate is 27%, down from yesterday’s 40%.  Currently 1.63% of the State’s population has been tested.  Deaths have risen to 1,086 with Fairfield County at 432. Those aged 80 and older account for 11% of the cases and 56% of the deaths.  The number of cases currently hospitalized decreased by 8 to 1,938 with a decrease of 21 in Fairfield County to 776.

The hospitalization numbers are a partial pullback of Wednesday’s increases. Please continue to behave as if you have the virus and as if those around you do as well.

Today, I spoke with an individual who had been tested at the recently opened free rapid testing site in New Haven.  They reported the site was very efficient and well run.  Fortunately, their test result was negative.

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