City of Stamford COVID-19 Updates: Lamont Signs Executive Order to Help Restaurants Expand Outdoor Dining Areas, Reopening Roundtable Discussion Tomorrow

According to the most recent report from the State of CT — last updated at 4:30 p.m. on May 13^th — Stamford has 2,958 confirmed cases of COVID-19, compared to 2,946 confirmed cases on May 12^th.

Connecticut’s DPH provides an interactive dashboard tracking cases and deaths across the entire state. According to this resource, Stamford has 165 reported deaths attributed to COVID-19 cases.

Connecticut’s DPH provides information on reported cases in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This data is updated weekly and is hosted on the City of Stamford’s website. Last updated: May 10^th, data from May 6^th.

Today's updates

• Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order on May 12^th to help expedite the various approval processes in order to help restaurants expand outdoor dining areas. Including:
• Expedited municipal zoning amendments.
• Suspension and modification of certain permitting and approval processes for outdoor activities
• Expedited municipal review of outdoor dining and retail
• Minimum parking lifted to facilitate outdoor activities
• Sidewalks and non-vehicular rights of way
• Liquor service in connection with outdoor dining
• Further clarification of limits on private clubs.
• Full executive order available here.
• Governor Ned Lamont announced members of the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group’s business committee will hold a roundtable discussion on Thursday, May 14^th at 10:00 a.m. regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the state’s business community.
• A livestream of this discussion will be airing on CT-N.com.

Community:

• The State of Connecticut is supporting Small Businesses. Businesses smaller than 50 employees with personal protective equipment needs can log onto https://www.ctcovidresponse.org and fill out a needs form.
• Stamford’s Board of Finance host a regular monthly meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. Residents can attend by
• Registering at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8268960066924437264. Webinar ID: 442-547-051.
• Dialing 415.655.0060 access code: 341-695-841.
• The Stamford Town Center will open with limited stores on May 20^th at 11 a.m.
• The City of Stamford hosted a mask giveaway May 13^th at St. Mary’s Church, 566 Elm Street from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Stamford’s Municipal Tax Relief Deferral Program is available for residents who can document significant economic impact during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Under this program individuals, businesses, or nonprofits may apply to defer for 90 days their obligation to pay property taxes.
• More information, including a link to applications, is available here: https://www.stamfordct.gov/tax-collection/pages/stamford-municipal-tax-relief-deferral-program.
• Applications must be received no later than July 1, 2020, applications not received by July 1 cannot be accepted per the Governor’s Executive Order.

School:

• Stamford Public Schools named Lisa Legato-Howlett 2020-2021 Stamford Teacher of the Year, Emeritus and Toquam Magnet Teacher Barbara Hanauer, 2020-2021 Stamford Teacher of the Year.

Help Stamford

All information about how to help Stamford during the COVID-19 public health emergency can be found at https://www.stamfordct.gov/office-of-the-mayor/pages/give-help.

• Residents can find this information by visiting http://www.stamfordct.gov/covid19 and selecting “How to Help.”

Volunteer

• The City of Stamford maintains a volunteer signup sheet for future volunteer opportunities.
• 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.
• Stamford Citizen Services Corp: A combination of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).
• The Community Emergency Response Team is a program that provides a consistent nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.
• The Medical Reserve Corps is a national network of medical and public health professionals who assist emergency response during public health emergencies.
• Homemade Mask Production: Masks produced by volunteers will be picked up by a delivery driver through a partnership with local dry-cleaning service providers. Masks will be cleaned and disinfected then distributed to the community.
• Volunteer spots for Grab and Go Meals and Senior Outreach have been completely filled.
• Students and retired health care workers are encouraged to register for Connecticut’s CT Responds, a statewide volunteer management system.

Donate

• The City of Stamford is requesting donations of personal protective equipment from businesses or individuals.
• If you wish to donate to the City, please contact Jim Federici at JFederici@stamfordct.gov or call 203.977.4378 (office line). The City needs a variety of equipment, including but not limited to:
• N95 masks
• Surgical masks
• Gloves
• Isolation gowns
• Face shields
• Stamford Health is looking for donations for the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Fund as well as food donations for medical personnel. Individuals or businesses can also donate packaged supplies.
• 4-CT is an independent nonprofit staffed by volunteers connecting and providing resources to organizations addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut. Residents can donate here.
• American Red Cross has requested residents consider donating blood. Residents can look up a local chapter or search by zip code.
• Building One Community compiled an Amazon wish list for essential items needed for the community, including detergent, soap, and more.
• Residents can also donate to Building One Community’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
• DOMUS provides much-needed aide to Stamford families who are most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents can donate directly, or purchase items from their Amazon wish list.
• Family Centers of Stamford provides services and programs to support children, adolescents, and families in Stamford. Residents can donate to their Emergency Client Assistance Fund.
• The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County is requesting food or monetary donations to ensure families have access to food during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Inspirica is a nonprofit that aims to break the cycle of homelessness and continues to provide services during this time. Residents can donate through this link.
• Pacific House is a nonprofit providing supplies and shelter for the homeless population in Stamford. Residents can donate to Pacific House through this form.
• Person to Person provides individuals and families with access to basic needs and resources. Residents can make a monetary donation or food/gift card donations.
• Silversource is a Stamford-based nonprofit providing resources to seniors in need of assistance. Residents can donate here.
• Stamford Public Education Foundation’s Home Work Helpers is seeking volunteers 18 and older to work with Stamford Public School students to help with school work. Residents interested in volunteering can fill out this form.
• Stamford Senior Center is ensuring members have access to food, medications, and other necessities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents can donate here.
• United Way of Western Connecticut’s ALICE Emergency Fund expands the ability of individuals and families to purchase fresh produce through the Health Savings Program. Participants of the program receive $20 worth of fresh produce a week for six weeks. Residents can donate here.