Coronavirus East Haven: Senior Center Closes To Protect Elderly

EAST HAVEN, CT —In a message to residents, Mayor Joseph A. Carfora has provided an update on the town's response to coronavirus.

Which includes limiting activities with large number of people and, closing the senior center.

"Our community, like so many others, is working to stay on top of the latest information regarding COVID- 19. This is a fluid situation, and one that communities do not often face. With that being said, we are in concert with, and receiving guidance from the East Shore District Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Locally we are conducting regular meetings that include Emergency Management, the health department, our Chiefs, and the Superintendent of Schools. We are following the guidelines set forth by these groups, which plans and prepares for this type of emergency.

As always, we must weigh the need for swift and decisive action to promote public safety, against the impact these measures will have on our community.

In one such preventive measure, the Town of East Haven is closing its Senior Center located at 91 Taylor Avenue until further notice starting Friday, March 13, 2020. During this period, we intend to deep-clean this facility. The Senior Shuttle Bus service will also be suspended.

The Governor has declared both a civil preparedness and public health emergency in the State. The primary purpose for this declaration is to grant emergency authority in the event that further actions may become necessary.

It is clear that senior citizen populations are among those currently most vulnerable to the virus. By taking this action now, we hope to prevent much greater inconvenience or risk to our senior citizens in the near future.

We understand that our seniors depend on this facility and its services, so we are committed to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Hagaman Memorial Library, located on 227 Main Street, will be closed Friday, March 13, 2020. Library will be closed until further notice.

The State has recommended limiting certain mass gatherings with large numbers of people in close proximity. This guidance is intended to slow down additional disease transmission.

Based upon this guidance, and the current situation throughout the State:
- We are recommending that those most at risk for serious illness (again, those over the age of 65 and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions), consider avoiding large gatherings with large numbers of people in close proximity.
- We will evaluate any Town-sponsored large events and non-essential meetings and consider postponement or cancellation based upon the anticipated attendance, venue, and nature of the event.
- Currently, all Town offices remain open on normal schedules.
- The Superintendent of Schools is communicating directly with the school community regarding the cancellation or postponement of certain school events; however, at this time East Haven schools remain open.
- Residents are reminded that focusing on common sense precautions are important to limit the spread of disease. Regular hand washing, covering your cough or sneeze, and staying home when sick will help to limit the spread of disease. If you are sick and need medical advice, please call your medical provider.
· If you suspect you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, please contact your health provider.
Finally, the Governor’s declaration enables state laws that protect against unfair or deceptive profiteering, or price gouging in emergency situations like this. Please be aware and should you have specific concerns about this, please contact the East Haven Police Department at 203-468-3820.

We will provide updates as we receive them from the East Shore District Health Department and the CDC.
For any specific questions or concerns, please contact East Shore District Health at 203-481-4233 or call the State of Connecticut's COVID-19 Hotline by calling Infoline at 211 or texting "CTCOVID" to 898211.

Joseph A. Carfora