Coronavirus Bethel: Town Declares 'State Of Emergency'

BETHEL, CT — First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker has signed a Declaration of a Local Civil Preparedness Emergency on Tuesday.

The decision was made in consultation with Bethel's Director of Health Laura Vasile and Emergency Management Director Thomas Galliford, Knickerbocker posted in social media.

This declaration allows the first selectman and Board of Selectman the ability to take such action as deemed necessary to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. It also allows for the future reimbursement from any available state and federal funds related to the pandemic response locally.

Bethel joins area municipalities Wilton, Ridgefield, Danbury and Redding in declaring a State of Emergency. The first selectmen in Wilton and Ridgefield has already used the special powers granted to them under the declaration to restrict access to hair and nail salons.

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