Stamford's COVID-19 Update: Delayed Opening of Hair Salons/Barbershops, Mask Distribution Tomorrow

Stamford's COVID-19 Response

According to the most recent report — last updated at 2:30 p.m. on May 18^th — Stamford has 3,046 confirmed cases of COVID-19, compared to 3,020 confirmed cases on May 17^th.

Connecticut’s DPH provides an interactive dashboard tracking cases and deaths across the entire state. According to this resource, Stamford has 175 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 14, data from May 14.

Governor Ned Lamont delayed the opening of hair salons and barbershops.

• Governor Lamont announced hair salons and barbershops will open in alignment with Rhode Island’s opening date on June 1.
• Hair salons and barbershops were initially included in Phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopen plan, which begins May 20
• Governor Ned Lamont released the guidance document that provides best practices for dentist offices that are considering expanding their operations beyond emergency care in the coming days.
• Dentist offices were considered an essential business in Connecticut and were never ordered to close, however the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended dental offices limit their practices to urgent dental care.
• The City of Stamford published COVID-19 statistical trends as of May 18, 2020 with data provided by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Public Health.
• These trends can give better context on the COVID-19 situation in Stamford today compared to prior weeks.

• Connecticut’s Department of Public Health (DPH) provides a daily update on the state’s COVID-19 situation. Residents can visit this link for new updates daily.

Masks

• The City of Stamford will host a mask distribution event on Tuesday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rippowam Middle School, 381 High Ridge Road.
• The City of Stamford will continue its regularly scheduled garbage and recycling pickups on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.
• The City of Stamford’s Department of Health reminds residents there are currently no tests available to determine if a business is safe or an establishment is “clean,” and there is no certification that should be interpreted as providing a risk-free environment.
• Some businesses have posted certifications indicating, “All employees have been tested and this establishment is clean.” The City of Stamford’s Department of Health does not endorse the use or posting of any certificate that certifies a facility is “safe” or “clean” with respect to COVID-19.

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.