Wilton Update: Coronavirus Update-Preparedness, Case Data, Car Thefts, Small Business Loans

Coronavirus update from Wilton First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice 

As the virus continues to rapidly spread throughout Wilton, the State and the greater New York City area, if you haven’t already done so, it is important to develop a plan for yourself and anyone living with you as to how you will manage if one or more of you test positive.  Plans should be made as to how to isolate within the same household, how to handle meals for the patient, what if both Mom and Dad are sick and other such scenarios.  If you live alone, make sure you have a network you can contact in case you need meals or other supplies left on your doorstep.  Many people with the disease become weak, so if you do live alone, think strategically about where you would want to place a bed and still be able to care for yourself. 

The Town is in a continual planning mode.  We are holding three regularly scheduled Emergency Operations Committee meetings per week, plus additional meetings as required.   We have already executed a plan for potential sheltering of exposed emergency services personnel and non-hospitalized emergency services personnel, who have tested positive.  Fortunately, we haven’t yet had a need for it.  We are executing a plan for potential sheltering of our vulnerable population and non-hospitalized residents with the virus, who live alone and may need assistance.  Emergency Management Director and Chief of Police John Lynch is spearheading our participation in developing regional facilities. All of us are participating in region wide or statewide calls either daily or more frequently.

Remember, if you have a fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, call your doctor.  Only a doctor can approve you for testing. 

Today on a call with the Governor and his staff, it was mentioned that CT DPH will soon no longer release the number of confirmed cases for each municipality, nor will the municipality be allowed to release the number.  We are seeking more information about this. 

The growth in today’s number of cases in Ct continued the trend of exceeding that of the prior day. This was expected as more residents are tested.  Disturbingly,  the rate of positive tests has increased.  Yesterday, the state reported an increase in total tests of 800 and an increase in positive tests of 203 or 25% positive.  Today, the increases were 598 and 257 or 43% positive.  

To date, 5,898 residents have been tested, with 875 testing positive.  This means over 5,000 were sick enough to qualify for testing, but are sick with something else other than coronavirus. There are also residents who aren’t yet sick enough to qualify for testing or those that are carrying the virus and may never show any symptoms.  This is all evidence of why we all must behave as if we have the virus and as if those around us do as well.

CT DPH reports 17 laboratory-confirmed cases in Wilton and 546 in Fairfield County. There have been 19 deaths statewide, 12 of which are in Fairfield County.  Again, we think the numbers for Wilton are underreported. If you have received a confirmed or presumptive positive test and you have not been contacted by the Wilton Health Department, please contact the department.  

We are ordering “practice social distancing” signs to place in open spaces, like the Town Forest and Ambler Farm, but please in the meantime keep your distance on the trails and in the parking lots. Please do not impede safe passage on Autumn Ridge Road.  If the parking lot is full, please return at a different time. 

During this time, the community has been incredibly generous, with many reaching out asking how to donate food to police, fire and other personnel.  Community Affairs Coordinator Sarah Gioffre will be overseeing those donations.  Look for further details in tomorrow’s e-alert.  Donations of medical supplies for the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps should be placed in the container outside their headquarters located on the Town Campus (gray house to right and toward back of Police Department).

Unfortunately, multiple car burglaries and two stolen vehicles occurred in the area of Cannon Road and Hurlbutt Street.  As before, these criminals only return, if they are successful.  Please lock your vehicles.  

The Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program will soon make $25 million available for loans at 0%. These are 18-month loans for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 100 employees. Information will be available soon. 

Later this week, Metro North will begin an essential service schedule.  You can read the full announcement here

As always, if you have any questions, email me or the appropriate town department.  

What Can You Do to Help Stop the Spread?

  • Maintain a distance of 6 feet between you and another person.  This standard applies whether inside or outside.
  • Consolidate your shopping and errands to minimize the numbers of days you must leave your home.  
  • Please do not to run to the store every time you hear a delivery has arrived. Widespread overbuying is the major cause of shortages.  With businesses and schools closed and not ordering, new supply chains are open.
  • Take advantage of the delivery options offered by many Wilton businesses.
  • Practice your team sport on your own, not with your teammates.  The internet is full of videos and suggestions on how to do this. 
  • Do walk outside. If your street is walkable, please consider walking there rather than a public trail. When the NRVT parking lot, or that of another trail, is more than 50% full, please find another place to walk.  There are 127 miles of town-owned roads, more than 80 private roads and more than 3 miles of sidewalk on state-owned roads.
  • Please respect the town’s closure of fields and recreation facilities.  
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Submitted by Wilton, CT

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