Coronavirus Bethel: Distance Learning, 500 Meals Distributed

BETHEL, CT — Town and school officials have enacted special programs to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

In a letter to parents, Schools Superintendent Christine Carver notified families that:

• Effective March 23, the the public schools will commence distance learning, and teachers will be taking attendance each day. Teachers will report their grades in a manner consistent with the district's current grading practice.
• Each teacher will be posting daily assignments on Google Classroom. Students in grades 2 - 12 already know how to access their Google Classroom account. In grades PreK-1, parents will need to download the Google Classroom app or use the web based version.
• The State is working with cable and phone companies to assist families in accessing the internet at home.

In an update to residents posted on the Town website, First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker said that:

• The Town has established a local COVID-19 info line at 203-794-8530. Town officials are monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and State of Connecticut information in order to provide the most up-to-date information.
• Caraluzzi's Bethel Food Market will now be open 7:30 a.m. to 8: p.m. daily. The earlier closing is to better enable staff to restock critical items. Shoppers age 65 and older may shop from 6:30-7:30 a.m., an hour put aside exclusively for them.
• The breakfast and lunch take-out program at Bethel Public Schools continues, with 500 meals distributed on opening day alone.
• Town Hall remains on normal working hours, but closed to the public except for the tax office and for prearranged appointments. Call ahead before visiting. Many deadlines have been pushed back to reduce the need to visit in person.

At the state level, Gov. Ned Lamont unveiled a "Stay Safe, Stay at Home" program that would require non-essential businesses to close for the next few weeks at least. Lamont is scheduled to sign an executive order Friday night that will go into effect Monday morning. He said if your business isn't considered essential then employees should remain home.