'Better Than This': Kupchick Urges Civility Amid COVID Conflicts

The following statement from First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick appeared in an email distributed Friday to Fairfield residents. To read the full email, go to fairfieldct.org/news/?FeedID=4537.

Dear Fairfielders,

I realize tensions in our community are high and residents are feeling the stress of living in a pandemic for 17 months, I understand, because I feel it too. Everyone is advocating for what they believe is in their family's best interest. With Fairfield’s nearly 10,000 students returning to school soon, I have received countless emails and calls on the governor's Executive Order No. 13A, which requires masks be worn in the schools through Sept. 30. I want to make it clear that no town has the authority to override the governor's statewide executive order.

I have also received calls and emails concerning the temporary town-wide mask policy that went into effect on Monday, Aug. 23, with the towns of Westport and Easton. I felt it would be irresponsible to not implement a temporary mask policy, while the delta variant is moving through our community. Fairfield County moved into the CDC’s high transmission category, the town of Fairfield moved into the red category for our case rate, and hospitalization rates were ticking up. A big consideration for me was that the increase in all of the metrics could impact the return to full in-person learning or put our most vulnerable residents at risk.

While the CDC recommends mask wearing as a tool to help prevent the spread of the virus, residents have shared varying opinions on the effectiveness of mask wearing through articles, studies and personal perspectives with me — some from medical professionals and some as citizens who have done their own research. We have all learned so much over the last 17 months, since the start of the pandemic, and I know we will continue to learn more. However, the constant changes in information about COVID-19 can be confusing and produce data that can support any narrative.

I understand the frustration of people who were told if you get the vaccine you won't have to wear a mask anymore, and then received revised guidance that said you should wear mask whether you are vaccinated or not. I am frustrated too. Vaccines have proven to be the most effective means to prevent serious illness/hospitalizations and masks can be an added layer of protection.

I have done my best to guide our town through the pandemic and make thoughtful decisions. I know any decision I make has broad-reaching implications, and I don't make decisions of this magnitude without serious contemplation. As a first selectwoman responsible for 61,000 residents and taking into consideration the guidance of our health director and emergency management director, I feel this temporary mask policy could help reverse the spike in our town's COVID-19 transmission and in hospitalizations.

Some residents have asked to read the declaration I instituted for the town, I've attached it here. I made modifications to it today in consultation with the health director, emergency management director, and town attorney. You can read the policy guidance here.

RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE & MASK COMPLIANCE

While the town continues to require masks indoors, it is simply impossible to respond to reports of residents not wearing masks in the thousands of public spaces and private businesses throughout our town.

I continue to ask our community to engage in respectful and civil dialogue. I have been very disappointed in some of our resident's behavior on social media or at a recent Board of Education meeting when tempers flared over mask policies. I even had a resident call to share with me that they have been receiving threatening messages. One caller went so far to wish COVID-19 upon this resident's child, since they shared a different view on masks. We are better than this.

Debate is an important part of our democracy. Our community must act like a community. The beauty of Fairfield should not just be on the surface, it must be reflected in our behavior and in our respect for one another.

VACCINE

Vaccine “breakthrough" cases have occurred in Connecticut, and in the majority of cases, symptoms have been mild and have not resulted in severe illness or hospitalizations. The most severe cases tend to be in unvaccinated individuals.

Vaccination is the most important defense against severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. The CT Department of Public Health strongly recommends that unvaccinated individuals get vaccinated as soon as possible to help stop the ongoing spread of the Delta variant. We are in the planning stages with our Health Department to set up additional vaccine clinics in the coming weeks, and will share locations and times when these become available.

Text your zip code to GETVAX to find a location near you.

If you test positive for COVID-19 or have come in contact with someone who has tested positive, please contact the Health Department for guidance at 203-256-3020 or visit fairfieldct.org/covid19.

Residents should get a COVID-19 test if they feel unwell, even if they are experiencing mild symptoms and are vaccinated — as vaccinated individuals can still carry and transmit the virus to others. In addition to severe COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, the Fairfield Health Department has seen many cases of people experiencing mild symptoms like sore throat, congestion/runny nose, loss of taste and smell, headache and/or fatigue.