Coronavirus Update- Recognizing First Responders, Dogs and Trails, Most Common Resident Question, Reopening Guide for Small Business & Case Data
May 18th–Today, Wilton’s Police, Fire and EMS first responders were delighted to find hand-painted rocks with inspirational messages from two Cider Mill 4th graders, Olivia and Rai. The girls placed the rocks, along with flowers, outside of Police, Fire and WVAC headquarters. Olivia knows firsthand of the sacrifices made by our first responders and their families, as her Dad, John, is a Wilton Firefighter!
If you are heading out to a trail with your dog or dogs, please remember that dogs are allowed on leash ONLY at Schenck’s, the Town Forest, Cherry Lane Park and the NRVT. There have been ongoing problems with unleashed dogs at the Town Forest. This should clarify any confusion on the part of residents.
The most common question received from residents is when a particular facility or activity will be available. Although we don’t have information from the State about what will be allowed and when throughout Phases 2 through 4, the following might be a useful way to look at things:
- Those facilities, which naturally have many touch points and those activities, which require close contact or touching, are those that are likely to only be allowed in the later phases. Playgrounds are one example of a recreational facility likely to be opened later in the process.
- As far as the size of allowable sport and leisure gatherings, Phase 1 is restricted to no more than 5 persons. Phase 2 is expected to allow more, as 10 campers and 10 summer school students are being allowed in a group during Phase 2. Will more than 10 be allowed to gather in Phase 2? We don’t know, but Phase 2, if it begins on June 20th will be in effect until at least July 20th.
The Department of Economic and Community Development has released an online Small Business Reopening Resource Guide, which among other resources, includes a supplier guide.
Today, CT DPH reported 38,116 or 697 new laboratory-confirmed cases statewide. Of those 14,248 and 218 new cases were in Fairfield County, with Wilton remaining at 200 cases. Our neighboring suburban towns also showed no growth, while Bridgeport accounted for just half of Fairfield County’s growth in new cases. 236 cases have not yet been assigned to a municipality.
Today’s report included 7,072 new tests performed for a pandemic-to-date total of 177,679. Within the next few days, the State will be providing our Health Director with the number of tests performed on Wilton residents. We’ll share the number, when it becomes available.
Statewide deaths rose by 41 to 3,449 Deaths in Fairfield County rose by 7 to 1,153. 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 17 patients to 920 and Fairfield County hospitalizations decreased by 12 to 287.
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