Town of Fairfield Declares State of Emergency Due to Coronavirus

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick has declared a state of emergency for the Town of Fairfield and has enacted new regulations on public buildings and businesses to advance social distancing. The new regulations come following the most recent guidelines outlined at the state level.

For updates from the Town of Fairfield on COVID-19 matters, please visit www.fairfieldct.org or www.fpdct.com/coronavirus.

The Town of Fairfield activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) over the weekend, streamlining the COVID-19 response effort and ensuring the continued delivery of services to residents. The EOC will remain operational until further notice.

Businesses

Gov. Ned Lamont announced this morning that effective at 8 p.m. tonight all restaurants and bars should open only for delivery or takeout services until further notice.

Takeout and delivery patrons are urged to call ahead or place their orders online with restaurants and eateries in order to minimize face-to-face interaction and streamline the pickup process.

In addition, Governor Lamont has ordered that all social gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, including within retail establishments and other businesses. The Town of Fairfield had enacted regulations above and beyond that requirement and is asking residents to stay within groups that include only their immediate family members, unless absolutely necessary.

Town business and planning officials are actively working to engage businesses and ensure their needs are met to the fullest extent possible, and minimize the impact of COVID-related regulations.

Town Buildings and Offices

All town offices will be closed to the public starting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17 through Thursday, March 19. During this time, the Town will ensure safe protocols are put in place in order to allow business to operate in a way that protects Town employees and the public, and allows economic activity to continue. The new protocols for town business will be announced on Thursday.

All public parks, playgrounds, beaches and facilities, including all public open recreational area and public golf courses, will be closed effective today.

The Fairfield Police Department will keep its lobby open for business, however, residents are urged to call the department first for non-emergency situations. The department’s business line is 203-254-4800. Case and incident numbers can be generated over the phone.

For all emergencies, dial 911.

Committee and board meetings will transition to being broadcast online. Check the town website for the latest information on meetings.

Prevention and What to do if you Feel Sick

What is social distancing?

Social distancing is maintaining a distance of approximately 6 feet from other people and has proven to be effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Families should practice social distancing with their children and follow these guidelines from state and local health officials:

• Families should not hold “play dates” and those in need of childcare should limit the number of families involved as much as possible.
• Practice social distancing techniques with children and have them practice among themselves
• Clean and sanitize toys, video game controllers and all touch surfaces regularly

The Connecticut Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that seniors and those with chronic health conditions are the most at-risk for serious illness caused by the coronavirus.

They urge that those in this vulnerable population take appropriate precautions to mitigate their risk of becoming sick. As has been widely suggested, any person who believes they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their primary care physician.

Reported symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and respiratory illness, including pneumonia in severe cases.

If anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should stay home and they are advised to contact their primary care physician. According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear within 2-14 days of exposure.

If you feel sick, the CDC recommends: 

• Call your primary care physician before visiting them in person
• Stay home and limit your contact with others
• Wear a facemask if you are sick. Masks are not recommended for widespread use by healthy people.

The DPH recommends that residents continue with good hygiene practices including:

• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
• Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.

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