Brookfield Coronavirus Update: 24 Confirmed Cases

BROOKFIELD, CT — One more resident has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the Connecticut Department of Public Health confirmed on Thursday. That brings the number to 24 active COVID-19 cases in Brookfield.

First Selectman Steve Dunn said that he learned Thursday evening that one person who has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus had visited Town Hall. As a result, acting out of "an abundance of caution," and consulting with the director of public health, Dunn will close Town Hall on Friday.

"We are trying to hire a company to do a deep clean of the building over the weekend," he said in an update posted to the Town website.

"Experts tell us that the virus does not live on surfaces longer than three days. Even though we have been cleaning the building daily, we want to keep our employees and the public safe by doing this additional cleaning," Dunn said. "We will decide this weekend if we can open Town Hall on Monday.

The first selectman has also announced he is closing Still River Greenway as of Friday in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

"Given the number of people using the Greenway, we have made the decision to close it, because we simply have too many using it to achieve safe physical distancing," Dunn said. "Our open spaces are still open, so we encourage you, in small family groups, to hike Gurski Farm, Happy Landings, Burr Farm and the Brookfield Open Spaces Legacy properties."

As of Thursday, a total of 1,012 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents. Cases have been reported in all 8 Connecticut counties. One hundred and twenty-five patients were hospitalized, and 21 residents have died (13 in Fairfield County, three in Tolland County, two in Hartford County, two in New Haven County, and one in Middlesex County), according to the state Department of Public Health. More than 6,500 tests have been reported.

Don't miss updates in Connecticut concerning the Coronavirus as they are announced. Sign up for Patch alerts and newsletters.

Gov. Ned Lamont has declared a "Stay Safe, Stay Home" program. All non-life-sustaining businesses in Connecticut have been closed, and the governor has asked Connecticut residents to limit social gatherings to just five people.

Brookfield Public Schools are closed until April 20. Students are currently engaged in distance learning.

The Brookfield Library is closed. Numerous resources, including books, magazines, audiobooks, movies, music and research databases are available from the library online.

Dunn says the Town is establishing a dedicated general telephone line and email addresses for those who do not know who they specifically wish to speak to in town hall with any concerns or issues. Residents with questions about the coronavirus should call 211 or contact the State through its online portal. Until those are established, Dunn suggests to send all inquiries by email to his office at sdunn@brookfieldct.gov or call 203-775-3700 to leave a message.

The State of Connecticut has instituted a Recovery Bridge Loan Program for businesses or nonprofits with 100 or less employees. Details and the application form are available online.