Coronavirus Greenwich: Camillo Orders Body Care Facilities Closed

GREENWICH, CT — After announcing earlier in the day the total number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in town had jumped up to six, First Selectman Fred Camillo announced late Tuesday that all body care facilities, including hair salons, barber shops and nail salons, as well as massage establishments are ordered to "cease all operations" and close temporarily.

According to Camillo, the operational ban will remain in effect through April 30, 2020, unless earlier modified, extended or terminated by Camillo. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

The order follows previous executive orders issued by Gov. Ned Lamont which allows restaurants and bars to serve food by takeout or delivery service only.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there are six confirmed cases of the virus, also referred to as the COVID-19 virus, in Greenwich. One patient is hospitalized, and none of the patients traveled abroad, Camillo said.

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.

Town officials continue to encourage residents who live in apartment buildings or condominium complexes, or who work in highly-trafficked buildings, to maintain social distancing of at least six feet, to frequently wash their hands and frequently clean common areas such as community rooms, elevators, door handles and bannisters.

"As many residents, and all of our children, are spending more time at home, we strongly urge them to refrain from holding playdates, sleep-overs, dinner parties – any communal activity that greatly expands the risk of spreading this virus," Camillo said in a statement.

The town is entering into a public-private partnership with the Greenwich United Way and private citizens to provide funds to those in the community who have been severely impacted by the adverse effects of the COVID-19 situation, Camillo said. The town will provide the first $100,000 to act as seed money in the effort to raise what town officials hope are millions of dollars, Camillo said.

Camillo said many local private businesses are stepping up to provide delivery services and alter and extend hours of operation to accommodate people 60 years of age and older.

"It is unfortunate that we also are beginning to receive complaints about price gouging at some local businesses," town officials said in a release. "We urge businesses not to take advantage of this growing public health crisis by overcharging for necessities that are in short supply."

Anyone who experiences price gouging is asked to contact the State Attorney General's Office, which has a dedicated phone line and website to collect information at 860-808-5318, or online.

Town Hall, the civic centers and playgrounds remain closed to visitors. Time sensitive services will be provided by appointment only, and residents are asked to contact departments directly to request help. All face-to-face interaction should be extremely limited, officials said. Many town

services are also available online.

The Holly Hill Transfer Station will maintain its normal schedule. The Department of Parking Services has cancelled all parking appeal hearings for the remainder of March. There have been changes to parking ticket payment and penalty regulations, which can be found on the town website.

The First Selectman's office has also received many offers from town residents seeking to volunteer their services to help fellow residents who may need assistance or to help various nonprofit agencies. They are asked to register to help through Greenwich United Way's "clearinghouse" website to direct people who want to volunteer.

See also: Coronavirus Greenwich: 3 New Confirmed Cases Reported In Town

• Coronavirus Greenwich: Camillo Declares Local State Of Emergency

"There is no question this is a time of great uncertainty. We feel confident that by sticking together and supporting each other, we'll emerge from this stronger than before," Camillo said in a statement. "For the most up-to-date information, town residents should access this dedicated webpage on the town website."