Brookfield Spotlight: 90 COVID-19 Cases, CodeRED Notification Sysem, Town Budget and MORE!

Brookfield has 90 Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

This is an increase of 7 since our last report on last Friday. Thankfully, there have been no reported deaths in Brookfield.
 
We caution however that things are changing rapidly and we should not get a sense of false security. We are seeing intra-household transmission but no evidence of community transmission at this time. 
 
Everyone who tests positive with Covid19 MUST self-isolate from family and friends in a separate room and by using a separate bathroom if available. The Virus is widespread enough to consider everyone suspect.
 
Given there has been household transmission, we would recommend every positive resident self-isolate for a full 14 days. Forget more lenient CDC guidelines for coming off quarantine. Stay safe! Stay home!

Town Budget Deliberations Extended

The Board of Selectmen, as mandated by the Governor’s Executive Order, has directed the Board of Finance to adopt a budget and set a mill rate. In order to allow the Board of Finance to develop the best budget possible, the Board of Selectmen has extended the time the Board of Finance has to complete the budget by 30 days. While the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance are both in full support of having a referendum, it is not possible at this time due to the Executive Order. Neither the Board of Selectmen nor the Board of Finance have any power to change the Executive Order.

CodeRED RESIDENT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
 
We will be sending out our first update this evening to all who have signed up for the service.
 
 If you wish to sign up from your cell phone send “brookfieldct” to 99411 and the system will prompt you on accessing the reporting system. You can also sign up on the town website on the bottom of the main page by clicking on the CodeRED logo. We have also been able to keep the last five CodeRed announcements available on the main page of the town website.
 
 You can get a text with a link to the update, a voice message or an email sent to you automatically. We will still be sending out emails to everyone on our town website mailing list and the Spotlight mailing list to ensure we are reaching as many people as we can so you may get duplicate messages.  Over 600 people have signed up over the weekend for the CodeRED updates and that is a very good response. Please let your friends and neighbors know of this service. If you decide that you do not want the updates, you can cancel the service at any time in the future. We plan on sending out regular updates to residents.
 
This system is not the Emergency Reverse 911 system used by the Police department and you will continue to receive notifications from that system in the future.
 
FAQ FOR ASSISTANCE FOR RESIDENTS AND SMALL BUSINESS
 
Senator Murphy has created a FAQ page, which is quite extensive and can be accessed here:
We would also urge you to go to:
Ct.gov/coronavirus for State of CT programs
CDC.gov for the Center for Disease Control.
Brookfieldct.gov for town related issues
 
RULES FOR SELF ISOLATION
 
From Dr. Raymond Sullivan-Director of Public Health:
Those who have tested positive can come off of isolation if:
1) They are fever free for three days while off fever reducing medications AND
2) They are entirely without symptoms of any cough, sneezing or respiratory difficulty for the same three days AND
3 They have been self-isolated for a minimum of 7 days
 
TOWN HALL IS NOW OPEN AND STAFFED-BUT CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
 
The building is closed to the general public and no one will be allowed in the building. If you have urgent business please call the department you need and we will assist you. While the majority of staff are working from home, each department has at least one staff member in the office between 10AM and 3PM. Please call and make an appointment if there is something that has to be done in person.
We have done a complete deep cleaning of Town Hall. We continue, on a daily basis, clean all surfaces in the building.
 
 
SCHOOLS DONATE SUPPLIES TO TOWN
 
Working with Superintendent Barile and Rosa Fernandes, Chairman of the Board of Education, and under the guidance and support of the State Commissioner of Education, the school system has donated numerous supplies our first responders need. The town has supplies on order, but some are delayed. We will return the supplies to the schools as soon as possible.
Brookfield is a great town and emergencies like this demonstrate why people love to live here. We take care of our own, work as a team, and fully support our police, fire, EMS and other volunteer groups fully.
 
BROOKFIELD RECOVERS FUND
 
We started a fund last week to collect donations to enable the town to assist residents. I am very happy to say that Brookfielders have responded very generously.  We continue to need additional support due to increased demand. Please consider donating to assist your neighbors.
 
If you wish to donate please send a check payable to the Town of Brookfield and note on it “Brookfield Recovers” in the memo space and send to Finance Department, 100 Pocono Road, Brookfield, CT 06804. Our Social Services Department will be managing this very worthwhile cause.
 
STILL RIVER GREEENWAY IS CLOSED
 
We have gotten reports that despite the many signs and barriers, some people are still walking on the Greenway. Please remind anyone you see that it is closed.
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Submitted by Brookfield, CT

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