Coronavirus Darien: Stevenson Responds To No-Testing Criticism

DARIEN, CT — As the Connecticut and the nation grapples with trying to slow the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), a decision by Darien to cancel a planned virus test collection effort has drawn criticism.

In a post on Twitter, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin called the decision "maddening," and said that homeowners near where the testing was scheduled to take place should not be "offended," because it was only going to be temporary.

"Wow, this is maddening," Bronin, a Democrat, wrote. "When people are losing their jobs, businesses are shutting down, and people are getting sick, public health needs to come before the convenience of homeowners offended by the location of the temporary test sites.

Darien officials had planned on hosting a drive-thru test collection site in the lower parking lot at Darien Town Hall, but abruptly canceled it a few hours after the announcement.

"The Town of Darien will not be providing COVID-19 testing as previously announced," officials said. "We appreciate the important work being done by Murphy Medical Associates to provide testing to our residents at their other locations. Please visit the Murphy Medical website at www.greenwichdocs.com for locations and times of testing."

Several Fairfield County communities, including Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk and Westport, have set up drive-thru test collection sites in parking lots. Norwalk's is at Norwalk Hospital, while New Canaan's and Westport's are at temporarily closed schools.

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Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, a Republican, quickly responded to Bronin's tweet with one of her own.

"Luke, thanks for your social media message. I’m sure things are tough in Hartford too."

To which Bronin, then replied, "Jayme, this is a difficult time for everyone, and everyone is doing their best. And one of the most important things for all of us is to expand testing capacity — and it’s to your credit that you reached out to set it up in the first place."

The Darien Times reported that Darien canceled the effort after some residents near Town Hall complained on social media about the site's proximity to their homes.

In a message to Patch, Stevenson said she has "great respect" for the mayor, but was confused by his criticism.

"I was very confused by the Mayor’s criticism of what’s happening in Darien as I’m sure he is dealing with similar COVID-19 crisis management issues 7 times over given the size of his city and their unique challenges," Stevenson told Patch in an email. "I have great respect for Mayor Bronin and we’ve always worked well together but in these times, throwing social media stones appears partisan and I’m sure he didn’t intend that. Social media is an invaluable tool for us as town leaders, if used positively, for sharing information to our communities."