Fairfield Coronavirus Update: 4 Dead, 62 Confirmed Cases

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield officials continued to emphatically urge residents to stay home Friday, as the town reached 62 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus and four virus-associated deaths.

The latest numbers marked an increase by 12 confirmed cases compared to Thursday. The death announced Friday was that of a 62-year-old man. All previous fatalities in Fairfield associated with the virus involved patients in their 80s.

“This is a national health crisis and I implore you to stay home,” First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said during a video press conference Friday, which was streamed on Facebook Live and FairTV.

Kupchick said she had received reports of teens playing outdoors and adults visiting each other. She asked parents to talk to their children about why it’s important to stay home and reminded residents that if they do leave the house to go to the store or a medical appointment, they should maintain a 6-foot distance between themselves and any other members of the public.

“People’s lives depend on our efforts to stay home and restrict contact,” she said.

Health Department Director Sands Cleary said the virus is expected to peak about April 15 in Fairfield County. Cleary warned that people older than 60 and with underlying conditions should do everything possible to avoid hospitalization, adding if they become ill there may not be enough equipment or staff to facilitate recovery.

As of Friday, there were 4,914 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Connecticut, 131 of which were fatal and 2,716 of which were in Fairfield County, according to state data.

Kupchick invited two spiritual leaders Friday to address the community. Rabbi Marcelo Kormis encouraged people to call and check on those who might be isolated, and reminded residents that while the upcoming spring holidays must be celebrated in a way that maintains physical distance, the holidays will spiritually connect the community, a sentiment echoed by the Rev. Peter Cipriani.

“Rather than be anxious with fear, let us be eager with the anticipation of Easter, Passover, Ramadan,” Cipriani said.