Coronavirus Greenwich: 45 Residents Test Positive

GREENWICH, CT — During a press update held late Tuesday afternoon, First Selectman Fred Camillo announced 45 Greenwich residents have tested positive for the new coronavirus, according to Greenwich Health Director Caroline Baisley. Camillo noted that number is up from the 31 reported on Sunday.

According to Baisley, this is the number of residents who have been diagnosed, however they may not necessarily be located in town. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"They could be home, they could be in hospitals in New York or elsewhere in the state," Baisley said in a statement. "We are notified whenever a resident is diagnosed wherever they may be."

See also: Coronavirus Greenwich: Camillo Provides Update On Positive Cases

As of noon Tuesday, 133 total patients tested at the Greenwich Hospital outpatient site have tested positive for the novel virus, also referred to as COVID-19. Only 45 of those positive cases were town residents, as the hospital also draws many patients from Westchester County, N.Y., according to Camillo.

Also as of noon Tuesday, 33 patients who tested positive for the virus are currently being cared for at the hospital, however they are being treated in several different units of the facility, Camillo said.

See also: Coronavirus Greenwich: Hospital Readies For Influx Of Patients

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.

Here are some updates on other town operations provided by the first selectman's office:

Train Station Building Closure

At the request of Metro-North Railroad and with the concurrence of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the Greenwich Train Station building will be closed to the public indefinitely, effective at 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 24.

This decision has been made because the waiting room has an elevator, which does not allow for the minimum of six feet for safe social distancing.

An advisory will be posted on the building doors to direct patrons to the Track 4 side of the complex. Patrons needing elevator access to Track 3, should utilize the pedestrian bridge crossing.

It should be noted that the town-operated stations in Cos Cob, Riverside and Old Greenwich remain closed to the public. These building closures do not impact train schedules.

"As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, it is imperative that we deploy any measure which will help reduce the virus infection," Camillo said in a statement. "I recognize the inconvenience to anyone who is using the railroad system. At this point, I expect the disruption will be minimal because of the governor's order closing so many non-essential businesses."

Camillo urges residents to help support local businesses who continue to operate. The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce has compiled a listing of food-related businesses that are offering take-out and delivery services.

He also reminded residents to practice the recommended six-foot social distancing whether shopping or outdoors.

"Do you know there are approximately 90 miles of sidewalks adjacent to public roads here in town?" Camillo said. "We encourage you to walk your sidewalks and get to know your neighborhood from a new perspective."

Reminders and Other Helpful Tips:

• Violators of the town-wide parks closure declaration may be cited for trespassing or more severe criminal sanctions in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes.
• The Health Department is continuing operation of dedicated phone lines to receive residents' calls and answer concerns. The numbers are: 203-622 -7865, 203-622-7703, 203-622-7614, 203-622-7842 and 203-622-7836. For more information on limited services during this time please visit the Department of Health's webpage .
• The Police Department reminds residents that if you are experiencing mild symptoms of illness and are not in a high risk group that you contact your personal physician rather than call 911. If you have mild symptoms, do not go to the emergency room before contacting your doctor for direction. If you have any serious symptoms, please do not hesitate to call 911. Please save 911 for real emergencies.

Other Resources for Residents and Businesses:

• For those residents experiencing challenges with food, finances, and living arrangements, please call the Department of Human Services at 203-622-3800.
• In addition to social distancing protocols, residents are encouraged to review CDC guidelines on preventing the spread of COVID-19.
• If you experience price gouging, please contact the State Attorney General’s Office which has a dedicated phone line and website to collect information: 860-808-5318 or online at www.dir.ct.gov/ag/comp.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories, of which Connecticut is included, low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please visit their website for more information on eligibility and how to apply sba.gov/disaster.
• Governor Ned Lamont has provided a list defining essential businesses that are allowed to continue to operate during this time. Information can be found here. Also, there is a process to will allow business owners to file for an exemption from the order.