Cheshire Is Now A ‘Handshake-Free Environment’: Officials

CHESHIRE, CT — In an effort to help reduce the risk of spreading germs and viruses, the town of Cheshire is now a “handshake-free environment,” officials announced Monday.

“It’s no disrespect, just a common sense precaution,” Town Manager Sean Kimball wrote in a post on Twitter. Don’t expect a handshake when visiting a Town of Cheshire building. In fact, we respect you so much we want to do all we can to keep you healthy!”

Kimball shared a graphic showing two people shaking hands with the crossed-out symbol. Along with the graphic, the text said “To reduce the risk of spreading germs and viruses, the Town of Cheshire is now a ‘Handshake-Free’ environment. Please consider yourself properly greeted and respected. In fact, we respect you so much, we want to do all we can to keep healthy!”

Connecticut had its first confirmed presumptive positive case of the new coronavirus disease Sunday. A Wilton resident between the ages of 40 and 50 is being treated at Danbury Hospital, according to Gov. Ned Lamont. The person likely was infected during a trip to California. No new information about the patient was released Monday, but officials said that people who were in contact are being notified.

Lamont announced Monday that he has issued new rules for state employees in an effort to stem the spread of new coronavirus cases.