Darien Coronavirus: Town Government Open On Limited Basis: Update

DARIEN, CT — Darien's government and public school system are considered "essential services" and will remain open for the time being, as the state and the nation grapples with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), announced First Selectman Jayme Stevenson. (Note: After this story was initially posted, Darien Public Schools were closed until March 26)

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday declared a state of emergency, in an effort to prevent the potential spread of the virus. He has not called for a mandatory, statewide closure of schools or government entities.

"The Town of Darien, in coordination with the Darien Public Schools and all town agencies, is immediately adopting policies and practices consistent with Governor’s recommendations and directives issued on March 9," Stevenson said. "Town Government and Darien Public Schools are considered ‘essential services’ and will remain operational at this time."

The Darien Library remains open, though it has canceled its programming, and public schools will open on a two-hour delayed schedule on Wednesday to allow staff to prepare materials in the event of a prolonged school closure.

Below is Stevenson's March 10 announcement:

At 3:00pm today, Governor Lamont declared Civil Preparedness and Public Health Emergencies
in Response to the emerging COVID-19 crisis. The Town of Darien’s emergency preparedness
team continues to coordinate our local response efforts. All information contained herein is
subject to change as the situation here in Connecticut unfolds.

The Town of Darien, in coordination with the Darien Public Schools and all town agencies, is
immediately adopting policies and practices consistent with Governor’s recommendations and
directives issued on March 9. Town Government and Darien Public Schools are considered ‘essential services’ and will remain operational at this time. For the most updated school-related information, please visit www.darienps.org.

Out of an abundance of caution and to be proactive in response to potential virus spread,
we are strongly recommending that all organizations adopt social distancing policies by
cancelling/rescheduling large group gatherings, events and activities that draw
approximately 100 or more people. ‘Social distancing’ is an important tool to help slow the
spread of the virus. While these are very difficult and disappointing decisions, we
appreciate the recognition of the important role each individual, family and community
group plays in containing the potential spread of the virus. Town of Darien sponsored
activities will be considered on a case by case basis.

On March 9, Governor Lamont and his administration issued a series of policy recommendations
in response to the spread of COVID-19. At present, there are two test-positive cases of the virus
here in Connecticut. In addition, 54 persons have been tested for COVID-19 with negative
results. At this time, the CT Department of Public Health has the capability to test 1200 patients
while LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics will soon have testing capabilities which will greatly
enhance our ability to screen. Any testing must be authorized by a referring physician and is
now restricted to those already exhibiting symptoms. All test results will be provided to CT
DPH and local health departments for tracking and to assist in localized response efforts.

Governor Lamont also issued specific restrictions on nursing and convalescent homes in
Connecticut. Effective immediately, the restrictions permit visitors to enter these facilities only
if the person who is residing in the facility is in hospice or end-of-life care and visitors wear
proper protective equipment. Protecting our elderly and medically vulnerable residents from
COVID-19 is our highest priority. If you or a member of your household is sick, please stay
home and consult your primary care physician for directions on how to receive medical
attention. Do not arrive at a doctor’s office or hospital without advanced instructions. However,
do not delay seeking medical treatment if you are sick. Your healthcare provider will have
established protocols for you to receive evaluation and treatment.

For up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including guidance and
other resources, please visit www.ct.gov/coronavirus. Individuals who are not sick but have
general questions not answered by information on the state’s website can call 2-1-1 for
assistance. The Centers for Disease Control www.CDC.gov and the World Health Organization
www.WHO.int are excellent sources of COVID-19 disease information and travel
guidance. Information about local efforts is available on the Town of Darien website at
www.darienct.gov.

Jayme Stevenson, First Selectman
Dr. Alan Addley, Superintendent of Schools
Tara Ochman, Board of Education Chairman
David Knauf, Director or Health
Alicia Casucci, Director of Nursing Services