Darien Coronavirus: Library Cancels Programs; Schools Delayed

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Library has canceled all programs, effective immediately, in an effort to stop any potential spread of the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, officials announced on Tuesday. The library remains open.

"Yesterday, Governor Lamont called for large events to be cancelled to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in CT," library officials wrote on Twitter. "After consulting with First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, the Darien Health Department, and our Board, we have decided to cancel all programs effective immediately."

The library has posted a page on its website about its COVID-19 preparations, which Library Director Alan Kirk Gray told Patch are extensive.

"Yes the Library remains open at present," Gray told Patch in an email. "As long as we can do so, and protect the health and safety of our users and staff members, we will stay open.

"We’ve previously announced that, in addition to the rigorous cleaning the Library undergoes daily, we are paying special attention to surfaces that are high touch, like doors, elevator buttons and other active areas."

Over the weekend, First Selectman Stevenson updated residents on the town's preparations for COVID-19, of which at least two Connecticut residents have tested positive in addition to two health care workers who work in the state but live in New York.

On Wednesday, Darien Public Schools will open on a two-hour delayed schedule to allow for staff to prepare course materials for students to take home in the event of prolonged school closures, writes the Darien Times.

Patch reached out to Darien Schools Superintendent Dr. Alan Addley and Board of Education Chair Tara Ochman for comment but did not immediately receive a reply.

New Canaan and other area districts have taken a similar approach of delaying opening, as officials watch as some schools are closed in nearby Westchester County, NY.