City of Stamford COVID-19 Update, Mayor Says City Testing Capacity Could Reach 10,000 Tests Per Week

City of Stamford COVID-19 Update

Stamford residents and businesses are reminded Mayor David Martin has suspended Stamford’s plastic bag ordinance. Grocery stores are free to provide disposable plastic bags or forgo the 10-cent charge for paper bags (however, businesses are not required to provide plastic bags or forgo the 10-cent charge for paper pages)

The Mayor of Stamford is granted emergency powers by Connecticut general statues 28-8a and Stamford’s charter C3-10-10 following the Governor’s declarations of public health and civil preparedness emergencies.

The State of Connecticut has advised residents to be wary of false rumors, such as:

• The State of Connecticut has not implemented a curfew of any kind for residents.
• The State of Connecticut has not closed its borders or highways to New York or any other state.

Governor Ned Lamont gave an update on the state’s situation Monday evening, including:

• Connecticut’s Department of Public Health commissioner has signed an order easing the rules of out-of-state practitioners to provide services in Connecticut.
• The Federal Internal Revenue Services is providing “full and immediate” reimbursements for COVID-19 employee medical leave costs.

Ongoing information:

• All information about the City of Stamford’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency can be found at http://www.stamfordct.gov/covid19
• A list of services, businesses, and organizations affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency is available under the “Services” section of this newsletter.
• The City of Stamford would like to remind residents of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for protecting yourself from potential infection:
• COVID-19 is spread through close contact. Coughing produces respiratory droplets that physically land on objects. These droplets can land on mouths or noses of a people who are nearby, and possibly inhaled into the lungs. 
• COVID-19 is most commonly spread person-to-person.Residents should limit gatherings of 10 people or more. We ask Stamford residents to advocate to their friends, family, and neighbors to follow social distancing guidelines and limit contact with others.
• Grocery stores and pharmacies taking measures to limit the number of individuals inside their business should be mindful they do not indirectly create a large crowd of waiting customers outside their business. Waiting customers can space out to limit close contact with one another.

Mayor Martin said the City’s testing capacity demand could reach up to 10,000 tests per week. Currently, the three sites recommended sites (see: Community, Ongoing Information) have a combined testing capacity of approximately 2,500 per week.

• Mayor Martin announced the City was working with medical practitioners willing to open more testing sites to test all residents — including residents who still need health insurance.
• Mayor Martin announced the City was pursuing streamlining the testing process so residents only had to call a single number to receive instructions on how to get tested and where.
• Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merrill announced Connecticut’s presidential primaries would be moved from April 28^th to June 2^nd.

Community Updates

The City of Stamford maintains a dedicated webpage for updates on the COVID-19 public health emergency.

• Please note some information previously listed in this section (Community Updates, Ongoing Information) has been moved to “Services Update, Ongoing information.”

Access Health Connecticut — the state’s official healthcare marketplace — is now enrolling residents for healthcare coverage. This special enrollment period ends April 2^nd. Connecticut residents can call 855.365.2428 to sign up for healthcare coverage.

Available testing for COVID-19 (all sites require an appointment):

• Cummings Park. Operated by Murphy Medical Associates. Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment online or call 203.658.6051.
• Stamford Hospital on Bennett Medical Center Campus. Operated by Stamford Health. Open Monday through Friday, 8a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling 203.276.4111.
• 2001 West Main Street. Operated by DOCS Urgent Care. Opening by the end of next week (March 27^th). Schedule an appointment online or call 203.298.4600.

Residents concerned they may have symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately call their primary care physician.

• Symptoms include: fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Primary care physicians will make an assessment and prescribe testing if appropriate.
• Residents with symptoms of COVID-19 should notify medical professionals before visiting health care institutions. Medical staff need to prepare personal protection equipment prior to examining patients.

Residents who DO NOT have Primary Care Physicians, but DO have health insurance, can contact their health insurance provider to obtain names of approved Primary Care Physicians to contact.

• Stamford Health recommends residents call 1.877.233.9355 to receive a list of all physicians who can provide prescriptions of testing.

Residents who DO NOT have Primary Care Physicians OR health insurance may contact one of the following organizations:

• Optimus Health Care: 203.327.5111
• Community Health Center of Stamford: 203.323.8160
• Americares: 203.658.9500. Not accepting new patients.
• Family Centers Health: 203.717.1760. Not accepting walk-ins.
• Access Health CT: 855.365.2428. Only available through Thursday, April 2^nd.
• Stamford Health recommends residents call Stamford Health’s COVID-19 hotline: 203.276.4111.
• The City is actively pursuing more testing options for Stamford residents:
• Independent testing sites may be available throughout Stamford. Connecticut’s Department of Public Health provides licenses to medical practitioners to conduct testing. These practitioners are not required to notify — or “register” — with the City of Stamford to operate testing sites.

Stamford Health announced Stamford Hospital is no longer allowing visitors to “protect the health and wellbeing of patients, staff, and community.”

Pediatric and NICU patients will be allowed 2 parent/guardian visitors. Labor & Delivery patients will be allowed 1 designated support person.

Residents who are recently out-of-work as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency can apply for unemployment benefits with the State of Connecticut.

The State has provided answers to frequently asked questions about unemployment benefits and how they relate to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Residents can click here for more information on how to file for unemployment benefits if your employment was impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Legal actions enforcing evictions or foreclosures have effectively been put on hold as a result of Connecticut's Judicial Branch's Continuity of Operations plan announcing all state courts will only hear matters identified as "Priority 1 Business Functions."

Elected officials have advised residents to contact their local representative if they receive an eviction or ejection notice.

Attorney General William Tong reminded residents to submit complaints of price-gouging directly to his office.

Stamford’s Board of Finance has delayed all budget hearings for the next two weeks, including all Fiscal Committee budget hearings.

The City of Stamford has used web conferencing for internal meetings since last week and may utilize online web conferencing for board, commission, and public hearing meetings when appropriate.

Inventory at local food retail stores may have been depleted due to higher demand, but at this time store owners anticipate restocks of their inventory in the coming days.

Residents using toilet paper alternatives: DO NOT FLUSH THESE ALTERNATIVES. Paper towels and wet wipes will clog plumbing. Widespread flushing of these products will create severe blockage of sewage infrastructure.

Residents who plan to buy toilet paper in bulk should be aware:

There have not been any reports of supply chain shortages of toilet paper in the country. Whereas previous emergencies have caused shortages — such as in 2012 when there was a gasoline shortage due to gasoline refineries damaged by Hurricane Sandy — toilet paper continues to be produced and delivered to stores.

Additionally, a website called “How Much Toilet Paper” allows residents to calculate how long their supply of toilet paper would last.

Business Updates

Recent updates:

• Stamford’s COVID-19 webpage for businesses now includes details about federal laws that may impact local businesses, including:
• Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act: Providing employees 12 workweeks of leave if they are unable to work due to a need for leave to care for the son or daughter under 18 years of age of such employee if the school or place has been closed, or the child care provider of such son or daughter is unavailable, due to COVID-19.
• Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act: Full-time employees will be entitled to 80 hours of paid sick leave for certain qualifying reasons.
• Various proposed bills being discussed.
• Financial assistance available to businesses.

Ongoing information:

• President Donald Trump signed The Emergency Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R. 6201 into law on Wednesday, March 18^th. The bill will go into effect within 15 days.
• The bill would — among many other things — provide reimbursements for small businesses (50 or fewer employees) who provide 14 days of additional paid sick leave to employees during a public health emergency. This benefit can be applied retroactively to sick leave taken before the bill was signed into law.
• The City of Stamford maintains a dedicated page for resources assisting businesses affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Resources includes: financial assistance, disaster loans, unemployment benefits, etc.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have provided information specifically for businesses.
• Guidelines for reducing risk of infection among the workforce.
• Recommendations for environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
• Recommendations for businesses hoping to take advantage of delivery and pickup options.
• Deadlines extended as a result of COVID-19:
• The State of Connecticut has extended tax filing deadlines by “at least 30 days.” Businesses with taxes due on June 1^st 2020 have had the deadline extended to July 1^st 2020.
• Connecticut’s Department of Economic Community Development is deferring all Small Business Express payments for three months.
• For small business assistance please call the Department of Economic Community Development’s business hotline at 860.500.2333.
• The Federal Internal Revenue Service extended the April 15^th tax filing deadline for individuals to July 15^th.
• The Department of Economic & Community Development is conducting a survey to better understand the economic impact on local businesses. Business owners are advised to fill out the “Economic Injury Worksheet” found on the City of Stamford’s website.
• There is no limit frame to submitting the Economic Injury Worksheet.
• Stamford business owners can submit their worksheet confidentially to Thomas Madden, Stamford’s Director of Economic Development, at tmadden@stamfordct.gov. 

Services Updates

Recent Updates:

• List of closed organizations, institutions, and businesses (below) has been updated to reflect new dates and additional closures.

Ongoing information:

• The City of Stamford maintains a dedicated page for closures and services affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
• The following businesses are STILL OPEN:
• Gas stations.
• Grocery stores.
• Pharmacies
• The following businesses have been closed until further notice:
• All non-essential businesses as a result of Governor Ned Lamont’s Executive Order No.7H.
• All restaurants and bars. Takeout and delivery options still available.
• All gyms and movie theaters.
• All amusement parks, bowling alleys, and indoor walkways for large shopping malls.
• All body care facilities.
• The following City services have be affected by COVID-19:
• The City of Stamford’s plastic bag ordinance is suspended until further notice.
• Stamford Government Center is closed to all visitors who do not have an appointment.
• Vital departments will continue operations, including: Public Safety (Police, Fire), 911 Communications, Highways Department, and Recycling & Sanitation Department.
• Building Department: Emergency protocol available on the department’s webpage.
• Building permits: Submit online.
• Inquiries: Contact David Nelson at 203.977.1194.
• Engineering Department: All permit applications and payments must be submitted online.
• Documents for plan review can be left in the drop-box located in the Government Center Lobby.
• Land Use Department: General information available on the department’s webpage.
• Inquiries: Contact 203.977.4711 or StamfordLandUse@stamfordct.gov
• Zoning permits (building, sheds, fences, etc.): sunderwood@stamfordct.gov
• EPB permits (inland wetlands, septic, etc.): rtalamelli@stamfordct.gov
• ZBA applications (variances, special exceptions, auto dealers, etc.): mjudge@stamfordct.gov
• Planning Board (Master Plan amendments, subdivisions, etc.): lcapp@stamfordct.gov
• Zoning Board (special exceptions, zoning text changes, zoning map changes, coastal site plans): tbriscoe@stamfordct.gov
• Recycling and Sanitation Department:
• Household textiles in pink bags program is suspended until further notice.
• Scale House and Katrina Mygatt Recycling Center continue to follow their normal schedule.
• Activities of 10 or more people at City parks and fields are prohibited. City staff will post clear signage at parks and fields.  
• Residents must take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by reducing contact with other individuals. This includes canceling sports, group activities, and avoiding any event or outing with 10 or more people.
• The City of Stamford has suspended pay-to-park requirements for all City metered parking spaces until further notice.
• The City of Stamford’s 120-hour parking violation has been suspended until further notice.
• Stamford’s Town Clerk’s Office is providing free internet access to land records data for the duration of the public health emergency.
• Stamford’s Tax Assessor’s Office’s Elderly and Totally Disabled Homeowner programs will not require appointments for the duration of this public health emergency.
• Stamford Police Department’s Records Room is closed to the public until further notice.
• Boards and Commission meetings have received “procedural relief” due to Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7I and may:
• Extend budget adoption deadlines
• Suspend in-person requirements for various meetings/public hearings
• The following State services have been affected by COVID-19:
• Connecticut’s Department of Motor Vehicles has suspended in-person visits at all branches until further notice.
• Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection has suspended enforcement of retailers accepting empty beverage containers for redemption until further notice.
• The following utilities have been affected by COVID-19:
• Eversource (electric):
• Postponed disconnections for nonpayment for residential and business customers across electric, natural gas, and water operations.
• Warned customers of an increase in scam activity.
• Aquarion (water):
• Suspended shutoffs for nonpayment.
• Warned customers of an increase in scam activity.
• Altice USA (internet):
• Not terminating broadband services for residential or small businesses due to nonpayment.
• Offering free 30 Mbps broadband to households with students (K-12 or college).
• The following is an alphabetical list of organizations, institutions, and businesses impacted by COVID-19:
• Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy: Closed until Monday, March 30^th.
• Boys and Girls Club of Stamford: Closed until further notice.
• Building One Community: The building will remain open.
• Classes, group programs & events are canceled effective immediately for an indefinite amount of time.
• Chelsea Piers: Closed Friday, March 13 through at least Tuesday, March 31.
• Children's Learning Center:  Closed Monday, March 16 through at least Friday, March 27.
• Ferguson Library: Closed Friday, March 13 to Monday March 30.
• Islamic Center of Stamford: Closed until further notice.
• Italian Center: All group fitness, youth programs and group swim lessons are postponed until further notice.
• King School: Closed until March 29^th.
• New Covenant Center: Effective March 17^th, Contingency meal service protocols in place. Café temporarily closed to the public.
• Only staff and volunteers allowed into the facility. Lunch and dinner meals will be distributed on bagged or boxed meal-to-go basis.
• Food pantry distribution will still go forth on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with a reduction on how many enlisted guests can shop at a time.
• Individuals with day-of-shopping appointments will be checked-in and escorted to sit and wait in café area.
• Schoke Jewish Family Services: Closed as of March 17^th. Freedberg Kosher Food Pantry will remain open, providing pre-packaged bags available for pickup outside the building. Counseling services provided through telephone sessions.
• Stamford Jewish Community Center: Closed through Friday, March 27^th.
• Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Closed to the public until further notice.
• Stamford Police Department: All fingerprinting services provided will be temporarily suspended.
• Stamford Public Schools: All schools will be closed through Friday, April 10^th.
• Stamford Recreation: Closed until further notice.
• Stamford Senior Center: All Senior Center programs and activities suspended as of March 12^th.
• Stamford YMCA: Closed until further notice
• Town Clerk’s Office: Appointment only (essential business only)
• UConn Stamford: Campus closed until further notice, classes will be held online for the remainder of the semester.
• Several supermarkets announced morning hours will be reserved for elderly residents who are more at-risk for COVID-19 infections.
• Cingari’s Grade A ShopRite Supermarkets in Stamford will reserve 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. for customers 65 and older.
• Laroccas Supermarket will reserve 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for customers 60 and older.
• Acme Markets will reserve 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday for customers 60 and older.
• Stop and Shop Supermarkets will reserve 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. for customers aged 60 and older.
• The following is a list of services available for low-income residents:
• Person-to-Person Food assistance. Groceries and fresh produce, protein, and dairy are available to residents with income below 235% Federal Poverty Guidelines, or employees furloughed due to COVID-19.
• Please call 203.655.0048 to make an appointment.
• Visit https://p2phelps.org/ for more information.
• Stamford’s location is 425 Fairfield Avenue, Building 1, Suite 111, Stamford, CT 06902.
• Person-to-Person on Wheels mobile pantry serves Stamford neighborhoods with fresh produce, protein, dairy, tuna, beans, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, soups, fruits & vegetables, pasta, and rice. The mobile pantry is available at the following times and neighborhoods:
• Mondays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Yerwood Boys & Girls Club, 90 Fairfield Avenue.
• Mondays, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Stamford Manor, 26 Main Street.
• Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ferguson Library South End, 34 Woodland Avenue.
• Tuesdays, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Shippan Place, 521 Shippan Avenue.
• Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Domus, 83 Lockwood Avenue.
• Thursdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Building One Community, 75 Selleck Street.
• Person-to-Person Emergency Financial Assistance: Caseworkers meet with clients to determine eligibility for emergency financial assistance for rent, security deposits, utilities, and small emergency expenses. Residents can call 203.655.0048.
• Stamford-based SilverSource provides resources to seniors. Stamford seniors — or individuals interested in volunteering — can contact 203.324.6584. Resources include:
• Individual Assistance & Emergency Support: Serving seniors in need of housing stability or healthcare needs. Social work consultations are taken by phone.
• Prescription Deliveries: Seniors currently on the prescription program will continue to receive medications with the support of pharmacy delivery services.
• Grocery Deliveries: SilverSource has set up pop-up food pantry/distribution centers to support homebound seniors with grocery deliveries. Volunteers and staff make front door drop-offs and utilize delivery services.
• Medical Transportation: SilverSource continues to provide free transportation to essential medical appointments. A rigorous wipe-down is done of the transport vehicle between each passenger trip.
• Senior Wellness Check-ins: Staff and volunteers connect with older clients by phone to ensure they are well and reduce isolation.

Help Stamford’s community:

• Connecticut’s American Red Cross has requested residents consider donating blood. A map of American Red Cross chapters in Connecticut is available here.
• Building One Community compiled an Amazon wish list for essential items needed for the community, including detergent, soap, and more.
• Food bank donations are requested for The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. The economic impact of this public health emergency will disproportionately affected residents who are most in need.
• Information on food donations.
• Information on monetary donations.
• Volunteers are needed locally for the Medical Reserve Corps — a national network of medical and public health professionals who assist communities with public health and emergency response.

School Updates

Recent updates:

• Governor Ned Lamont announced he would sign an executive order extending the cancellation of classes at schools statewide to at least April 20^th.

Ongoing information:

• The City of Stamford maintains a dedicated webpage for updates about Stamford Public Schools.
• Connecticut’s standardized testing requirements are suspended, following the federal government’s announcement on Friday allowing school testing to be canceled or postponed.
• This includes Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) and School Day Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
• Advanced Placement (AP) exams will be available online.  
• All Stamford Public Schools are closed until Friday, April 10^th (but may be extended to April 20^th)
• Stamford Public Schools’ “Distance Learning Plan” was approved by Connecticut’s State Department of Education. As a result, out-of-school teaching sessions will contribute to the state’s requirement for a minimum of 180 school days per school year.
• Stamford Public Schools will continue to provide grab-and-go meals from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to anyone under the age of 18. Residents can pick up their meal from any of the following locations:
• All locations serving Grab-and-Go meals will switch to a three-day schedule beginning on Monday, March 30^th:
• Monday: two breakfasts, two lunches per student.
• Wednesday: two breakfasts, two lunches per student.
• Friday: three breakfasts, three lunches per student.
• Elementary Schools:
• Davenport Ridge, 1300 Newfield Avenue.
• Hart Magnet, 61 Adams Avenue.
• Julia A. Stark, 398 Glenbrook Road.
• K.T. Murphy, 19 Horton Street.
• Newfield, 345 Pepper Ridge Road.
• Northeast, 82 Scofieldtown Road.
• Rogers International School, 202 Blachley Road.
• Roxbury, 751 West Hill Road.
• Springdale, 1127 Hope Street.
• Stillmeadow, 800 Stillwater Road.
• Strawberry Hill, 200 Strawberry Hill Avenue.
• Westover Magnet, 1 Elmcroft Road.
• Middle Schools:
• Cloonan, 11 West North Street. (Until March 27^th)
• Dolan, 51 Toms Road.
• Rippowam, 381High Ridge Road.
• High Schools:
• Stamford High School, 55 Strawberry Hill Avenue. (Until March 27^th)
• Community-based Organizations and Programs:
• Stamford Public Schools Anchor at Harbor Landing, 68 Southfield Avenue.
• Yerwood Center, 90 Fairfield Avenue.
• Chester Addison Center, 245 Selleck Street.
• Trailblazer (Domus), 83 Lockwood Avenue.
• Faith Tabernacle Church, 29 Grove Street.
• On Friday, March 27^th the following locations will no longer serve Grab-and-Go meals, families can pick up meals at any other school:
• Stamford High School, 55 Strawberry Hill Avenue.
• Cloonan Middle School, 11 West North Street

City of Stamford Contact Information / Frequently Asked Questions

• Questions relating to COVID-19 testing, infections, and quarantine: City of Stamford’s Department of Health at 203.977.4398 (after work hours call 211) or stamfordDIRHLTH@stamfordct.gov.
• Questions relating to Stamford Health/Stamford Hospital: City of Stamford Medical Advisor Dr. Henry Yoon at hyoon@stamfordct.gov.
• Questions relating to environmental cleaning or personal protective equipment: Director of Lab James Federici at 203.977.4378 or jfederici@stamfordct.gov.
• Questions relating to schools and daycares: Nursing Supervisor Pat Caldwell at 203.977.4370 or pcaldwell@stamfordct.gov.
• Questions relating to restaurants, hotels, motels, rooming houses, or pools: Environmental Inspector Gail McRae at 203.977.5122 or gmcrae@stamfordct.gov.
• Questions from the press: City spokesperson Arthur Augustyn at 203.977.5115 or aaugustyn@stamfordct.gov.
• Questions from business owners: Director of Economic Development Thomas Madden or tmadden@stamfordct.gov.
• Questions about food distribution or food insecurity: Director of Social Services Ellen Bromley at 203.977.4112 or ebromley@stamfordct.gov.
• City of Stamford’s pre-recorded COVID-19 hotline: 203.977.8840.
• All other questions: Department of Health at 203.977.4398 or StamfordDIRHLTH@stamfordct.gov.
• Other contact information:
• State of Connecticut’s COVID-19 information hotline: dial 211.
• Stamford Health’s COVID-19 hotline: 203.276.4111.