Coronavirus Greenwich: Camillo Provides Update On Positive Cases

GREENWICH, CT — As of Sunday, there are 31 positive cases of the new coronavirus in Greenwich, according to Greenwich Health Director Caroline Baisley. During a press conference held late Monday afternoon, First Selectman Fred Camillo said the number was up from the 25 positive cases reported on Friday, March 20.

As of Monday, Greenwich Hospital reports the cumulative total of positive tests it has received is 120. The hospital currently has 28 patients who are positive, Camillo said. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

During a press conference Thursday, Camillo emphasized that it is not known how many of the positive cases of the virus, also referred to as COVID-19, reported by the hospital are Greenwich residents, as the facility also draws many patients from Westchester County, N.Y.

"As more residents are tested, we are going to continue to see an upswing in the number of cases reported among town residents," Camillo said in a statement. "It is imperative that we all follow the established health safety protocols. Being proactive is the only way we can collectively flatten the curve and spread of the coronavirus."

Over the weekend, Camillo announced all town parks and beaches are closed to the public, effective Sunday at 8 p.m. until further notice. The first selectman said he appreciated all the comments he has received following the announcement, both positive and critical.

"It is my hope that this temporary inconvenience will mitigate the spread of the national health crisis in Greenwich," Camillo said. "I am responsible for the health and safety of 63,000 people. As you can imagine, there are lots of opinions among all of them, but we make decisions based on the information we have and I can tell you, leaving large open spaces available to the public is a recipe for disaster. Medical professionals as well as national, international and regional trends show that this is going to grow exponentially in the coming days."

Camillo also said violators of the parks closure declaration may be "cited for trespassing or more severe criminal sanctions," in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes.

The town health department is continuing to monitor patients who are at home and investigate patients contacts with follow up as needed, as well as maintain patient public health nursing services to the elderly and homebound residents.

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:

Health Department

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's webpage.

Please reach out to your doctor or healthcare facility if you have an upcoming appointment for the latest information on hours of operation and visitor restrictions. Many offices are now offering telemedicine services during this time.

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, call your doctor or healthcare facility before visiting. If you have questions about COVID-19, call 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644), or check the website.

Town Hall

As of Monday, March 23, most employees are working from home and are available either by phone and email during business hours. The town will continue to provide limited services where possible. If you need a town service, please first visit the department's webpage. Our website and email are the preferred methods of communication during this time. Staff will make periodic checks of voicemail boxes, however, please allow additional time for responses during this situation. Given the unprecedented fluidity of this situation, expectations and operations may change at any time. This operational change will remain effective through April 23, 2020.

Holly Hill Transfer Station

Holly Hill is open, and requests compliance with social distancing when residents visit the site. There are new traffic patterns in place. Passenger vehicles will be directed through the recycling area for both trash and recycling drop off. All commercial vehicles, pickup trucks, vehicles pulling trailers, utility vans, and any other cargo type vehicle will be directed to go over the scale.

There may be delays as staff manages traffic through the site, particularly on Saturdays. Please be patient and respectful of everyone’s space. No new permits are being issued at this time. If residents do not have a permit, they must show valid driver's license with a local address through the car window.

The Book Swap shed and Goodwill are closed and donations are not being accepted at this time. Please do not leave donations at either of these locations. Hours of operation continue to be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to noon.

Please make every effort to limit your trips and come during the week.

Parks and Recreation

As all parks and beaches are closed, so is access to boats stored at the marinas in those parks. This includes the Grass Island Marina, Greenwich Boat Club, Byram Shore Boat Club and the Old Greenwich Yacht Club. Boat owners will be notified when they will be able to access their vessels.

Greenwich Police

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.

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. That information can be found here.