Coronavirus Update-New Cases, Food Box Distribution, Senior Center, BOE Budget Savings & Case Data

October 5th –The following are highlights from today’s CT DPH report versus Thursday’s October 1st report: 

  • Wilton: 4 new cases.  None of these patients were school aged.
  • Statewide: 1,378 new cases. 1.13% of tests performed reported positive. 
  • Hospitalized Patients: Statewide, 22-net patient increase. Fairfield County, 5-net patient increase.
  • Deaths: Statewide, 6.  Fairfield County, 1.

As people move about more, Wilton cases numbers have increased. We continue to perform better than the country, the state and many area towns, particularly with school-aged children and town and school employees.   

Tomorrow, Wilton's Social Services Department is hosting a drive-thru food box distribution for food pantry clients and any other Wilton residents in need.  Anyone interested in accessing this free resource, which includes produce, meat and milk, please plan to drive through the front loop of Comstock between 10am-11am tomorrow.  Access will be closed to all others. A town employee will put the box in your car, either through an open window or in the trunk to maximize safety and confidentiality.  Chief John Lynch and Social Services Director, Sarah Heath, coordinated with state and regional officials to bring the USDA Farmers-to Families Food Boxes Program to Wilton.  Please contact Sarah Heath, Social Services Director, with any questions or for more information: sarah.heath@wiltonct.org or 203-834-6238.

The Wilton Senior Center, located within the Comstock Community Center, continues to remain closed.  This decision is based on seniors being a high-risk group and the building being a shared facilities with Parks and Recreation and the Community Steps Program. Fortunately, with the Senior Center closed, Senior Services Activities Co-Ordinator Stephanie Rowe was able to assume the responsibilities of Phoebe Musico, who previously provided part-time services to many of the same seniors.  Phoebe is rejoining the staff as a Youth Services counselor.  

At tonight’s Board of Selectmen meeting, we reviewed Board of Selectmen projected year-end budget savings of approximately $400,000.  This amount represents the net of:

  • $400,000 of savings due to Town employees moving to the State plan for health benefits and changes in health benefit selections.  An additional $300,000 of savings from moving to the State plan was included in the budget. 
  • $100,000 of savings in property and liability insurance due to a change in carrier.  
  • $100,000 in additional labor costs directly associated with COVID-19.  

The projection is based on COVID growth remaining consistent with the current rate.  Because of the expected savings, the Board of Selectmen will reconsider adopted reductions to the Wilton Library and Trackside grants. 

Detailed Case Data:

The CT Data Center reported the following for Wilton as of 8:30 p.m. October 4th and versus the dates prior to the start of Phase 1 and Phase 2:

  • 268 cases, 61 additional since June 16th and 68 since May 19th.
  • 4,534 residents tested, 3,384 since June 16th and 3,784 since May 19th.  
  • 6,573 tests performed, 5,121 since June 16th .
  • 42 deaths, 1 since June 16th and 5 since May 19th.

CT DPH reported the following for Fairfield County and Statewide as of 8:30 p.m. October 4th:

  • 20,587cases, 4,206 additional since 6/16       59,120 cases, 13,691 additional since 6/16
  • 1,423 deaths, 71 additional since 6/16           4,517 deaths, 298 additional since 6/16
  • 25 hospitalized, 43 less than 6/16                   129 hospitalized, 57 less than 6/16

Help keep our numbers low, please follow the three W’s: 

  • Watch your distance
  • Wear a mask/face covering when you can’t maintain 6 feet of distance whether indoors or outside
  • Wash your hands

If you have any questions, please email me at lynne.vanderslice@wiltonct.org.  

Lynne Vanderslice

First Selectwoman