With 32 Dead, 270 Cases, Social Distance, Masks Crucial: Cosgrove

BRANFORD, CT — First Selectman James 'Jamie' Cosgrove issued a statement Monday announcing that 32 have died due to COVID-19 and there are 270 cases in Branford.

Cosgrove said that residents must continue to adhere to social distancing guideline and wear masks. He said playgrounds and courts and other recreational facilitates that do not allow for social distancing will remain closed. And said that residents should "not plan any gatherings they may put our community and/or your health at risk."

Here's his full letter:

"As the First Selectman for the Town of Branford, I want to provide our community an update on the local Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic situation. Like other Connecticut towns and cities, and throughout the US, we have had a number of COVID-19 positive cases among our residents. As of today, we have had a total 270 cases of COVID-19, and, it saddens me to inform you we have suffered 32 fatalities.

It is important to note that these cases are spread throughout our entire community and affect various age groups. It is paramount that everyone continues to follow safety precautions as recommended by the CDC in an effort to reduce the spread of this virus within our community. For the most current updates and statistics issued by the state please visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Please be assured, Branford town officials are closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19, and we are actively planning on a phased and measured reopening of our businesses and other services as allowed by the Governor’s office. The Branford Town Hall Building, the Public Libraries, the Senior/Parks & Recreation Center, both Fire & Police Stations, Branford DPW Highway, and all other town related programs remain open to serve our community, however public access continues to be limited to the public until further notice. Again, we have made this determination in an effort to ensure the health and well-being of citizens and staff alike, and appreciate your patience during this critical time.

Branford Parks, Playgrounds and Open Space:

All Town playgrounds, basketball courts, and tennis courts remain closed until further notice. Branford parks, conservation trails and beaches remain open to the public at this time. Please protect your mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers and neighbors’ loved ones by adhering to all social distancing guidelines. We are all one community. There are many wonderful trails and beaches in Branford, and I am asking everyone to please do your part and enjoy them responsibility.

While it was difficult decision, the Branford Town Festival is cancelled this year, and I sincerely thank everyone who worked on this event. My staff and I whole-heartened share your disappointment in this long-standing traditional event. In addition, all town-sponsor events are cancelled through at least May 20 to conform to the Governor’s social-distancing guidelines. We will continue to evaluate and assess the COVID-19 Pandemic situation, and we be making our decisions based on the Centers for Diseases and Control (CDC)/State guidance, local data and public health best practices.

Schools:

Branford Public Schools (BPS), along with all State public schools, remain closed by Executive Order of the Governor, through May 20, 2020. We anticipate receiving further guidance from the Governor’s Office and State Commissioner of Education in the near future.

BPS continues to implement BPS Flex Learning. The District is providing meals from Branford High School between the hours of 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., to individuals 18 years old or younger. Access to District buildings is directed by the administration.

To our Branford Community:

The Town is working closely with the East Shore District Health Department and the State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health to ensure the safety and health of our residents. Guidance for businesses and services continue to be released by the State and by the CDC for changes in the COVID-19 Pandemic, and to plan for an eventual re-emergence from our isolation.

As we look ahead and review the epidemiological predictive models, Michael Pascucilla, our Local Director of Public Health expects COVID-19 cases to continue and fluctuate within our community, although a slow decline through the first half of the summer is predicted. Furthermore, based on both State and Federal projections, there is a strong probability that the US may experience a second wave of COVID-19 infections in the fall season. Please be assure we are enhancing and preparing our local pandemic response plans across all town services to safeguard our community, while carefully balancing the public health response measures with our everyday quality of life services and local economy.

With that in mind, I am asking that our residents to please adhere to the State social distancing and wearing cloth face coverings directives. As the weather gets warmer everyone will want to be outside and we are asking everyone to respect each other’s space and not wander into situations where they find themselves within 6 feet of other people.

Our schools are working diligently to keep students engaged with online lessons and long-distance learning. While we may not be physically together in schools, at our libraries and other town-sponsor social events, we can still connect and socialize, and celebrate accomplishments through our technologies. Over the last month, I have witnessed the many acts of kindness from our residents, businesses and children, it reminds me of our communities’ resilience and why we all call Branford home – thank you.

Again, please DO NOT plan any gatherings they may put our community and/or your health at risk.

We are in this together.