Stamford COVID-19 update: state projects Fairfield County will reach peak hospitalizations at the end of April/early May

Stamford Mayor David Martin appeared on the Spanish-speaking program La Voz Hispana and shared information about the City’s response to COVID-19.

Residents can jump to 1:21:20 in the video to hear Mayor Martin’s interview.

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling and Danbury Mark Boughton also appeared on the show at different times.

Governor Ned Lamont shared the state’s estimated projections for COVID-19 hospitalizations throughout Connecticut.

• This estimated projection assumes residents adhere to social distancing guidelines.
• The state’s estimated projection suggests Fairfield County will reach peak hospitalizations at the end of April/early May.

Governor Lamont announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved Connecticut’s request to add survivors of domestic violence to the groups of people the state can approve to use non-congregate housing.

Governor Lamont made several recommendations yesterday to residents who are unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Unemployed residents who have not yet filed for unemployment should:
• Visit www.filectui.com
• Click the link that says “For quicker payment of unemployment benefit, please follow these instructions.”
• Information will be provided on filing claims as a “Temporary Shutdown” option and provide guidance on entering a return to work date.
• Residents who have already filed for unemployment should check their email daily for updated messages from Connecticut’s Department of Labor.
• Residents who want to contact the Department of Labor about their claim can refer to the department’s Frequently Asked Questions document which includes contact numbers (both English and Spanish) and other information.

Community:

• Connecticut’s Department of Public Health released a statement earlier this week about the risk of infection caused by reusable bags:
• Residents should read the entire statement (2 pages).
• “Given the most current scientific information we have, at this time we do not feel that reusable plastic bags or most other objects (referred to as “fomites” in the infection control world) or surfaces will serve as a significant source of infection for COVID-19 coronavirus in the general population, especially in light of the ease of spread of the virus from person-to-person via the close contact route and airborne droplets.”
• “With that in mind, to the extent worker contact with multiple potentially contaminated objects and surfaces can be minimized using engineering controls and modified work practices, it should.”
• State of Connecticut correcting misinformation:
• Connecticut’s National Guard has been deployed to assist building and managing patient care spaces across the state. The National Guard is expected to assist setting up patient care spaces in Stamford this weekend.
• There are no plans for a federal or state lockdown, rumors suggesting otherwise have circulated for weeks despite official statements to the contrary from the federal government.

Services:

• Stamford’s Highways Department plans to pave Berges Avenue on April 6^th to April 8^th (weather permitting). Residents are advised to move their cars for the duration of this paving project.

 School:

• No recent updates.

Business:

• Please note the “Business” subsection will be phased out in the coming week, businesses can sign up for weekly updates from Director of Economic Development Thomas Madden by emailing TMadden@stamfordct.gov.

Help Stamford

• Stamford Together, a citywide volunteer program to help support emergency response efforts related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Volunteers can contribute to five major initiatives (click each title to sign up):
• Testing Site Volunteer Program: As the City launches more testing sites, volunteers are needed to keep these sites functional.
• Resident Delivery Program: Volunteer drivers are needed to provide delivery services to quarantined members of our community.
• Medical Reserve Corps: A national network of medical and public health professionals who assist emergency response during public health emergencies.
• Volunteer spots for Grab and Go Meals and Senior Outreach have been completely filled.
• Building One Community compiled an Amazon wish list for essential items needed for the community, including detergent, soap, and more.
• Donate to Stamford Health’s COVID-19 Pandemic Response Fund.
• 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.
• Pacific House is a nonprofit providing supplies and shelter for the homeless population in Stamford. Residents can donate to Pacific House through this form.

State volunteering/donations:

• Governor Lamont encourages residents across the state to sign up for volunteer opportunities through https://www.ct.gov/coronavirus.
• Students and retired health care workers are encouraged to register for Connecticut’s CT Responds, a statewide volunteer management system.
• Connecticut’s American Red Cross has requested residents consider donating blood.
• A map of American Red Cross chapters in Connecticut is available here.
• Residents can also input their zip code and find the closest location here.
• Residents can donate to 4-CT, an independent nonprofit staffed by volunteers connecting and providing resources to organizations addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut.

Ongoing Information

All of the information below is available on the City of Stamford’s website (http://www.stamfordct.gov):

• 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
• Residents can find this information by visiting http://www.stamfordct.gov and selecting the COVID-19 banner image or selecting the red banner “COVID-19 Information.”
• All information about services affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency is available on the City’s website.
• Residents can find this information by going to http://www.stamfordct.gov/covid19 and selecting “All Closures and Suspended Services.”
• All information for Stamford businesses or business owners can be found at http://www.stamfordct.gov/economic-development/pages/business-information-for-covid-19.
• Residents can find this information by visiting http://www.stamfordct.gov/covid19 and selecting “Assistance for Businesses.”
• All information on Stamford Public Schools can be found at http://www.stamfordct.gov/home/pages/stamford-public-schools-covid-19-information.
• Residents can find this information by visiting http://www.stamfordct.gov/covid19 and selecting “Stamford Public Schools.”

CDC Guidelines for social distancing and preventative measures

Below are 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 to 5 people or fewer. Stamford residents are asked to advocate to their friends, family, and neighbors to follow social distancing guidelines.
• Put distance between yourself and other people, six feet of space is recommended.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• If soap is not available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• If you are sick, wear a facemask when you are around other people.
• If you are not sick, you do not need to wear a facemask. Facemasks prevent respiratory droplets from spreading. Facemasks are in short supply and should be saved for health workers and caregivers.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• 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.

Testing for COVID-19 in Stamford

Residents can all Stamford’s dedicated Testing Hotline at 1.833.508.8378 for information on testing availability in the Stamford area.

The City of Stamford refers individuals to the following four testing sites:

• Westhill High School: Operated by City of Stamford’s Department of Health in collaboration with Stamford Health. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling 1.833.508.8378.
• Stamford Hospital on Bennett Medical Center Campus. Operated by Stamford Health. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling 203.276.4111.
• 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.
• 2001 West Main Street. Operated by DOCS Urgent Care. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Open Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Schedule an appointment online or call 203.298.4600.

Do you have symptoms of COVID-19?:

• 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 without a Primary Care Physician or Health Care Insurance:

• 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:
• Access Health CT: 855.365.2428. Only available through Thursday, April 17^th.
• Americares: 203.658.9500. Not accepting new patients.
• Community Health Center of Stamford: 203.323.8160
• Family Centers Health: 203.717.1760. Not accepting walk-ins.
• Optimus Health Care: 203.327.5111
• Stamford Health recommends residents call Stamford Health’s COVID-19 hotline: 203.276.4111.

Are more testing sites coming?

• Mayor Martin said the City’s testing capacity demand could reach up to 10,000 tests per week. The three recommended testing sites (listed above) 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 need to call a single number to receive instructions on how to get tested and where.

COVID-19 Cases in Stamford & Connecticut:

• Connecticut’s Department of Public Health provides a daily update on the state’s COVID-19 situation. Residents can visit this link daily for new updates.
• Connecticut’s Department of Health released a live COVID-19 dashboard tracking COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across the state.

Businesses, Services, and Organizations in Stamford impacted:

Businesses still open (must follow social distancing guidelines):

• Gas stations.
• Grocery stores.
• Pharmacies.
• Laundromats.

Businesses must adhere to Safe Store Rules (by order of the Governor):

• Occupancy, store layout, and managing customer flow:
• Occupancy capped at 50 percent of store capacity. At entrance, staff will maintain a count of the number of customers entering and exiting stores.
• Clearly mark 6 foot spacing in lines on floor at checkout lines and other high-traffic areas and, as much as practicable, provide ways to encourage 6 foot spacing in lines outside the store.
• Post conspicuous signage and floor markings to direct customers and limit bottlenecks and/or encourage spacing and flow in high-density areas.
• Have aisles be one-way in stores where practicable to maximize spacing between customers. Identify the one-way aisles with conspicuous signage and/or floor markings.
• Maximize space between customers and employees at checkout lines, including, but not limited to, only using every other checkout line, where and when possible.
• Install Plexiglas shields to separate employees from customers at checkout lines and other areas in the store where practicable.
• General
• Communicate with customers through in-store signage, and public service announcements and advertisements, there should only be one person per household during shopping trips, whenever possible.
• Discontinue all self-serve foods (e.g., salad bar, olive bar) and product sampling.
• Allow “touchless” credit card transactions. If not possible, sanitize credit card machines (including pen) regularly and consistently.
• Cart and basket handles sanitized between uses (by staff).
• Wherever possible, employees will wear gloves and face masks at all times that they are interacting with customers and/or handling products.

Businesses closed until further notice (by order of the Governor):

• All non-essential businesses.
• List of “essential businesses” available on CTPost.
• An incomplete list is available in a previous newsletter.
• 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.

Businesses closed, continuing to offer alternative services:

• The Avon Theatre began its “online offerings,” providing access to the theatre’s programming online.
• Stamford Partnership announced Stamford Dining Bonds, a program offering customers discounted gift certificates and a source of revenue for many food & beverage businesses closed for the duration of the state’s public health emergency. 

Utility Services:

• 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).

Food retail stores (grocery stores, supermarkets) & supply chains:

• 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.
• Larocca’s Country Market) will reserve 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for customers 60 and older. Closed on Sunday,
• 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.
• Inventory at local food retail stores may be depleted due to high demand, however there is no reported supply chain shortage at this time.
• Resident concerns about toilet paper:
• 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 caused shortages — such 2012’s Hurricane Sandy leading to a gasoline shortage due to gasoline refineries damaged by the storm — toilet paper continues to be produced and delivered.
• A website called “How Much Toilet Paper” allows residents to calculate how long their supply of toilet paper would last.
• DO NOT FLUSH TOILET PAPER ALTERNATIVES. Paper towels and wet wipes will clog plumbing. Widespread flushing of these products will create severe blockage of sewage infrastructure.

Organizations and institutions (alphabetical):

• Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy: Closed until April 20^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 until at least April 22nd.
• Children's Learning Center:  Closed until April 20^th.
• Domestic Violence Crisis Center: Continues to provide services.
• Fairfield Business Council announced it would shut down.
• Family Centers: Continues to provide essential services to Stamford residents throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency.
• Ferguson Library: Closed until further notice.
• Requested residents do not leave book donations at the Main Library or Harry Bennett Branch as they cannot be safely processed at this time.
• 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 April 27^th. 
• New Covenant Center: OPEN with contingency, grab-and-go meal service protocols in place.
• 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.
• More ways to help: http://www.newcovenantcenter.org/
• Schoke Jewish Family Services: Closed until further notice. Freedberg Kosher Food Pantry will remain open, providing pre-packaged bags available for pickup outside the building. Counseling services provided through telephone sessions.
• Stamford Health: Stamford Hospital 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.
• Stamford Jewish Community Center: Closed until further notice.
• 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 20^th.
• Stamford Senior Center: All Senior Center programs and activities suspended.
• 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.

City of Stamford services and ordinances:

City Departments:

• Vital departments will continue operations, including:
• Public Safety (Police Department, Fire Department).
• 911 Communications.
• Highways Department.
• Recycling & Sanitation Department.
• Stamford Government Center is closed to all visitors who do not have an appointment.
• 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 City of Stamford has used web conferencing for internal meetings since the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency and may utilize online web conferencing for board, commission, and public hearing meetings when appropriate.
• Board of Finance: Holding a special meeting on March 30^th via webinar to discuss the budget process and plans for this year.
• Board of Representatives: Fiscal Committee has delayed its budget hearings.
• The Board of Representative’s Fiscal Committee has delayed their budget hearings.
• Building Department:
• Emergency protocol available on the department’s webpage.
• Building permits: Submit online.
• Inquiries: Contact David Nelson at 203.977.1194.
• Emergency protocol for plan review and inspections related to COVID-19.
• 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.
• Highways Department:
• Paving Schedule will continue, residents are advised to move their parked cars away from roads when they are scheduled to be paved:
• Berges Avenue: April 6^th to April 8^th
• Reynolds Avenue: April 8^th through April 10^th
• Borglum Street: April 13^th through April 15^th
• Austin Avenue: April 15^th through April 17^th
• Duncanson Street: April 20^th through April 22^nd
• Travis Avenue: April 22^nd through April 24^th.
• 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
• Stamford Police Department’s Records Room is closed to the public until further notice.
• Recycling and Sanitation Department:
• Scale House and Katrina Mygatt Recycling Center continue to follow their normal schedule.
• Recycling textiles program (pink bags) is suspended until further notice.
• Residents can still recycle textiles at Katrina Mygatt Recycling Center.
• Residents can drop off textiles in white “textile recycling” bins located at:
• Davenport Ridge Elementary School, 1300 Newfield Avenue
• Northeast Elementary School, 82 Scofieldtown Road
• Strawberry Hill School, 200 Strawberry Hill Avenue
• Rippowam Middle School, 381 High Ridge Road
• Toquam Magnet Elementary School, 123 Ridgewood Avenue
• The Department of Recycling and sanitation asks residents to hold onto paint supplies as Sherwin Williams has temporarily stopped accepting paint for recycling.
• Waste that is suspected to be contaminated with COVID-19 does not require precautions beyond those already used to protect workers from hazards they encounter during their routine job tasks in solid waste and wastewater management.
• Recreation Department:
• Several indoor public facilities closed and events canceled, however some outdoor Spring programs are still open for registration (planned for May/June). Full list on the Recreation Department’s website.
• 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’s Town Clerk’s Office:
• Providing free internet access to land records data for the duration of the public health emergency.

City ordinances / Mayoral orders:

• Activities of five or more people at City parks and fields are prohibited.
• This includes contact sports, group activities, and any event or outing with five or more people.
• Mayor Martin released a video explaining the City’s motivation to keep parks open at this time.
• 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.
• The City of Stamford’s plastic bag ordinance is suspended until further notice.
• 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.
• Mayor David Martin signed two executive orders:
• Stamford police officers, firefighters, emergency first responders, nurses, dental hygienists, and employees tasked with inspections related to the health of Stamford residents will have expedited COVID-19 testing if they show symptoms of the virus.
• A list of work safety procedures for City employees.

State of Connecticut services and actions impacting Stamford:

• The Metropolitan Transportation Authority posted its essential services schedule effective Friday, March 27 and continuing until further notice.
• Connecticut’s Department of Transportation implemented a new schedule on Monday, March 30^th for the Hartford and New Haven Lines.
• New Haven Line will operate on an hourly schedule with extra trains during peak times weekdays. This is approximately 50 percent less than a normal weekday schedule.
• New Canaan Line, Danbury Line, and Waterbury Line will also operate on reduced schedules.
• Hartford Line will operate on a new special weekday schedule.
• All schedules posted online
• CTtransit buses: www.cttransit.com
• Hartford Line: www.hartfordline.com
• New Haven Line: www.mta.info/mnr
• Shore Line East: www.shorelineeast.com
• 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.
• Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merrill announced Connecticut’s presidential primaries would be moved from April 28^th to June 2^nd.
• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been expanded to provide benefits to roughly 97,000 households not currently receiving the maximum benefits allowed for their household size.
• These emergency benefits will be made available in electronic benefit transfer accounts on Thursday, April 9^th and Monday, April 20^th.

Corrections of misinformation and rumors:

• 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.
• Census participation does not impact an individual’s eligibility for government benefits, including a potential stimulus check.
• Parents/legal guardians are permitted to visit their children in the hospital.

Assistance available for residents

Residents who are unemployed, cannot pay rent/mortgage, or witness price-gouging:

• 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 been put on hold until May 1, 2020.
• 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.

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.

Senior residents:

• 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.

Miscellaneous:

• Nonprofits who have a client that: 1) Uses one of the health clinics as his/her medical home 2) Does not have a primary care physician 3) Needs to be tested for COVID-19, and 4) Is unable to negotiate the internal process at the clinic…
• Please call Maria Millan at 203.977.5676 and provide all relevant information.
• Clients will be provided with a waiver enabling someone else to represent him/her in securing a test or securing medical information used to support a decision not to test.

Governor’s executive orders & other state actions affecting Stamford:

• Governor Lamont signed an executive order March 26^thdirecting several actions:
• All gatherings are restricted to no more than 5 people.
• Eating establishments (such as restaurants) must limit entrance of guests to the minimum extent necessary. Also requires touchless payment at these establishments if possible.
• All retail establishments must ensure customers maintain 6 feet of distance between each other. Also requires touchless payment at these establishments if possible.
• All retail businesses that sell firearms, ammunition, or similar components to conduct transactions by appointment only in order to limit as much person-to-person contact as possible.
• Suspends tax on single-use plastic bags.
• Prohibits operators of grocery stores or retail businesses from forcing their employees to bag items into customer-provided reusable bags.
• Suspends 21-month limit on Temporary Family Assistance.
• Waives all annual student assessment test requirements for current school year
• Full text of the executive order is found here.
• Governor Lamont announced an agreement with 50 credit unions and banks in Connecticut to offer mortgage relief to residents and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating institutions will be listed on Connecticut’s Department of Banking website. Relief measures include:
• 90-day grace period for all mortgage payments, allowing homeowners to reduce or delay monthly mortgage payments. Additionally, institutions will:
• Provide a streamlined process for requesting forbearance for COVID-19 related reasons, supported with available documentation.
• Confirm approval and terms of forbearance program; and
• Provide the opportunity to extend forbearance agreements if face with continued hardship resulting from COVID-19.
• Relief from fees and charges for 90 days.
• No new foreclosures for 60 days.
• No credit score changes for accessing relief.
• Governor Lamont announced measures supporting long-term care facilities, staff, and residents, including:
• The state’s 213 nursing homes are receiving 10 percent across the board increase in Medicaid payments.
• Long-term facilities that propose to be designated by the Department of Public Health specialize in care for residents with COVID-19 will be eligible for $600 per-day payments for each person served.
• The state will make the same $600 per-day payments to facilities designated by the Department of Public Health as suitable to be re-opened for the purpose of serving residents with COVID-19 and who need nursing home level of care.
• More details.

Federal bills & legislation relating to COVID-19:

• President Donald Trump signed into law the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (“CARES Act”) on March 27^th.
• Analysis of the bill available through:
• U.S. Congressman Jim Himes. Including a teleconference townhall.
• Various news organizations, including Politico and NPR.
• The U.S. House of Representatives passed the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” or the “CARES Act.” The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump.
• U.S. Congressman Jim Himes posted a newsletter explaining the contents of the bill. Congressman Himes also hosted a teleconference townhall on Thursday, March 26^th, discussing the bill.
• Various news organizations posted analysis of the bill including Politico and NPR.

Stamford Public Schools:

• All Stamford Public Schools are closed until Monday, April 20^th by order of Governor Lamont.
• 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 18 and under. Residents can pick up their meal from any of the following locations:
• All locations serving Grab-and-Go meals operate on a three-day schedule:
• Monday: two breakfasts, two lunches per student.
• Wednesday: two breakfasts, two lunches per student.
• Friday: three breakfasts, three lunches per student.
• Elementary Schools:
• 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:
• Dolan, 51 Toms Road.
• Rippowam, 381 High Ridge Road.
• Community-based Organizations and Programs:
• Anchor at Harbor Landing, 68 Southfield Avenue.
• Yerwood Center, 90 Fairfield Avenue.
• Chester Addison Center, 245 Selleck Street.
• Trailblazer (Domus), 83 Lockwood Avenue.
• 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.  

Resources for Businesses:

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.
• 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. 
• Grocery stores are encouraged to place markers promoting social distancing in their stores.

Dates and deadlines impacted:

• The Federal Internal Revenue Service extended the April 15^thtax filing deadline for individuals to July 15^th.
• The State of Connecticut has extended tax filing deadlines for businesses 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.

Information on conference calling:

• The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has warned of “Zoom-bombing,” the act of unassociated individuals hijacking and disrupting teleconferences. The FBI recommended the following preventative measures:
• Do not make meetings or classrooms public.
• Require a password for your meeting or use the “waiting room” feature to control admittance of guests.
• Do not share a link to a teleconference or classroom publicly or through social media. Provide links directly to specific individuals.
• Manage screensharing options so only the “host” of the call can share their screen.
• Ensure all participants have the latest version of Zoom. Zoom updated its software in January 2020 with increased security provisions.
• Victims of “zoom-bombing” can submit a report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at: https://www.ic3.gov/

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 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.