Coronavirus Fairfield: 3rd Case Confirmed

FAIRFIELD, CT — There are now three confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Fairfield, the first selectwoman said at a press conference Thursday afternoon, where town officials urged residents to stay home and avoid large groups as the virus continues its spread across Connecticut.

“It is likely that every household in town will be impacted and everyone will know of somebody who passed from this virus,” Health Department Director Sands Cleary said at the press conference, which was livestreamed by the town. “… Every interaction you have with others, every surface you touch, increases the risk of this illness entering your household.”

The latest confirmed Fairfield coronavirus patient is a man in his 30s, Cleary said after the press conference. The two previously confirmed cases involved a man and a woman, both in their 50s. As of Wednesday, nearly 70 cases had been confirmed across Fairfield County, although Cleary said the number of actual cases was likely closer to 7,000 countywide.

Officials continued Thursday to emphasize the importance of social distancing, and addressed reports that people were gathering at Fairfield’s parks and beaches, and children were playing on school grounds, despite public recreation areas and schools being closed due to the virus. Capt. Robert Kalamaras said at the press conference that the police department will increase patrols near recreation areas and if residents continue to use them, police may resort to arrests.

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“This is putting our children — your children — at risk,” First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said, adding residents should remain at home unless they need groceries or medical supplies.

Kupchick said if people want to spend time outside, they should take a walk, go for a bike ride or do yard work, instead of visiting a park or beach.

Town offices were closed Tuesday and will remain closed, Fire Chief Denis McCarthy said, but town phone lines will be open and staffed by employees working from home. The town’s staffing levels will be less than 25 percent the normal amount, according to McCarthy.

For more information, visit www.fairfieldct.org/covid19.