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Coronavirus Update- Where We Stand: Gatherings, Merwin Meadows, Unemployment and Case Data

Posted on: June 18, 2020 - 9:08pm

June 18th- On Tuesday, the Governor issued Executive Order 7ZZ, which accompanies Phase 2.  One area impacted was the allowable size of gatherings.  New rules and anticipated rules were released as follows:

Effective June 17: 

  • Indoor private gatherings – 25 people 
  • Outdoor gatherings – 100 people 
  • Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks) – 25% of fire capacity and social distancing (consistent with outdoor amusement parks) 

Effective July 3: 

  • Indoor private gatherings – 25 people 
  • Outdoor private gatherings – 100 people 
  • Outdoor organized gatherings (e.g. fireworks, concerts in municipal parks) – 15 feet of space blanket to blanket, cap of 500 people; event organizer responsible for compliance with guidance 
  • Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks) – 25% of fire capacity and social distancing 

Effective mid-July (date to be determined): 

  • Indoor private gatherings – 50 people 
  • Outdoor private gatherings (including graduations) – 250 people 
  • Outdoor organized gatherings (e.g. fireworks, concerts in municipal parks) – 15 feet of space blanket to blanket, no cap; event organizer responsible for compliance with guidance 
  • Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks) – 50% of fire capacity and social distancing 

Merwin Meadows opens Saturday for Wilton residents only. No more than 100 residents are allowed in the park at any one time. Monitors will be at the park from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. to ensure compliance with the capacity limit, the residency requirement and social distancing. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there will NOT be lifeguards at the park.  Lifeguarding can require mouth to mouth contact and other close contact, which can spread the COVID-19 virus and create a health risk to the individuals involved and the Wilton Community at large.  

IF YOU SWIM OR ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO SWIM, YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.  The Town is discouraging residents from using the pond for swimming.  

The is no fee to use the park, but a resident park pass will be required. With proof of residency, passes may be obtained at the park through July 1st.  Passes are available now and throughout the summer via the Parks & Recreation e-Trak online registration system. 

Also due to COVID-19, the pavilion, grills, picnic tables, restrooms and playground are closed.  Per the Governor’s Executive Order 7BB, face coverings are required in the park, if you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from another person.  There are exceptions based on medical conditions or the age of a child. Please review the executive order.  Please wear a face covering at check in, unless exempt. 

As a reminder, the status of Town recreational facilities, buildings and services during Phase 2 is available on the Town’s website. Many town services are available virtually. 

On Monday, the CT Department of Labor released additional unemployment data by town.  During the week of May 17th, benefits were paid to 659 Wilton residents.  This compares to the week of April 26th, when benefits were paid to 764 Wilton residents.  New unemployment claims filed by Wilton residents during the week of May 17th were 48.  This compares to the previous three weeks of 65, 74 and 106 claims filed and a high of 227 during the week of March 27th. 

The CT Data Center reported the following for Wilton as of June 17th:

  • 207 cases, no additional since June 14th
  • 1,161 residents tested, 32 additional since June 14th
    • 1,471 tests performed, 46 additional since June 14th
    • 1,238 negative test results, 45 additional since June 14th
    • 233 positive test results, one additional since June 14th
  • 41 deaths, no change since June 14th
    • 20 laboratory-confirmed deaths
    • 21 probable deaths

The State does not provide detailed data on antibody testing. 

CT DPH reported 370,638 tests performed and the following for Fairfield County and Statewide as of June 17th:

  • 16,398 cases, 60 additional since 6/14           45,440 cases, 205 additional since 6/14
  • 1,352 deaths, 5 additional since 6/14             4,226 deaths, 22 additional since 6/14
  • 64 hospitalized, 6 less than 6/14                     176 hospitalized, 27 less than 6/14

CT DPH reported during the last 7 days, 30,484 tests were performed.  870 were positive tests.  561 of the positive tests were first time tests.  Of those 561 individuals, 391 lived in a community setting and 170 lived in a congregate setting, such as a nursing home or a correctional facility. 

In the coming week, as more of our economy and our Town facilities open up, face coverings continue to be key to protect yourself, your family and your community. “Out of respect for each other, as Americans that care for each other, we need to be wearing masks in public when we cannot social distance.”  Dr. Deborah Birx, Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

As always, if you have any questions, please email the appropriate town department or me at lynne.vanderslice@wiltonct.org.  My next update will be on Thursday, June 18th, unless something comes up that requires and update.  

Thank you,

Lynne Vanderslice

First Selectwoman