Coronavirus Cheshire: Town Emergency Declared

CHESHIRE, CT — A local State of Emergency has been declared in Cheshire due to the potential spread of the new coronavirus, Town Manager Sean M. Kimball announced, in collaboration with Emergency Management Director Jack Casner and Chesprocott Director of Health Maura Esposito.

“This action does not indicate any immediate change in the local situation, but rather it is a necessary step that gives the town the greatest operational flexibility, positions our community for eventual FEMA assistance and reimbursement, and potentially enables increased access to critical personal protective equipment for our first responders once available,” according to a news release. “The Town of Cheshire has closed our municipal facilities to the public until further notice, although staff will be available during normal business hours to conduct necessary business electronically, by phone, and by mail, and by appointment for essential services. Information on accessing municipal services electronically can be found on the Town’s website.”

Town board and commission meetings are canceled for the week of March 16. Gov. Ned Lamont has issued an executive order allowing municipal meetings to be held without public attendance, future essential meetings may be held using electronic communication, and every effort will be made to provide off-site access to residents, officials said. (To sign up for Cheshire breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

All non-essential town-sponsored programs and events are canceled through the end of March. Updates and changes will be posted on the town website here.

“Residents and businesses are asked to limit gatherings and in-person contacts, and to follow public health guidelines,” officials wrote in the news release. “Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping limit the spread of this serious and highly contagious virus.”