Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: 137 Residents Test Positive

GREENWICH, CT — During a press update late Tuesday afternoon, First Selectman Fred Camillo said 137 town residents have tested positive for the new coronavirus as of March 31, according to Greenwich Health Director Caroline Baisley. That number is up from the 113 residents who tested positive for the virus, also referred to as COVID-19, reported Monday.

Camillo also announced that as of noon on Tuesday, March 31, there were 97 COVID-19 positive patients at Greenwich Hospital who were being treated in several different units of the facility. That number reflects both patients who live in Greenwich and patients from other municipalities in Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y., as the hospital draws in people from a number of different areas.

To date, 1,573 total outpatient swabs have been taken at the hospital testing site, and 382 of those tests were positive, Camillo said. The first selectman also noted 51 patients have been discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for the virus. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"As you can see from the rising numbers, this health emergency has not reached its apex here in Greenwich, Fairfield County or in the state of Connecticut," First Selectman Camillo said in a statement. "I am impressed by the efforts of both our residents and town employees who are striving to maintain safe distances, following protocols to help reduce the spread of the virus."

See also: Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: 113 Residents Test Positive

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Camillo also said he was "equally impressed" by the generosity of residents who continue to
support the efforts of the town's front-line workers and first-responders.

"[On Monday] two residents privately donated a total of 12,000 masks for our first-responders and Greenwich Hospital," Camillo said. "It is in troubled times such as these past few weeks, that we see the goodness that makes Greenwich such a great town."

Age Breakdown

Town officials also provided a breakdown of the ages of residents who tested positive for the virus:

• Ages 10 - 19: 1
• Ages 20 - 29: 14
• Ages 30 - 39: 22
• Ages 40 - 49: 24
• Ages 50 - 59: 27
• Ages 60 - 69: 26
• Ages 70 - 79: 11
• Ages > 80: 12

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.

Camillo On Easter Celebrations

With the Easter holiday weekend less than two weeks away, a time when many families typically gather together to celebrate, Camillo advised residents to continue social distancing.

"Right now, I would continue doing what you're doing," Camillo said during Tuesday's press update. "Nothing has changed, regardless of what the holiday is. The virus doesn't take the day off, so we have to remain vigilant."

He also recommended residents get creative with ways they can still enjoy the holiday.

"If you have a computer, this would be a great time to try out an Easter gathering over Zoom," Camillo said. "It's probably not the same as being there in person, but it will certainly be memorable and it will certainly make you look forward to next year."

Other Reminders From Town Officials

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.

The Department of Health has five phone lines specifically dedicated to the public for questions and answers about COVID-19. They are: 203-622 -7865; 203-622-7703; 203-622-7614; 203-622-7842 and 203-622-7836.

If you are concerned about an activity or a group not following guidelines issued through COVID-19 related Executive Orders and emergency declarations, please call the Greenwich Police Department's non-emergency phone number at 203-622-8004.

Resources, Helpful Tips for Residents and Businesses

• To reach the Domestic Abuse Services staff at the YWCA, please call the 24/7 hotline at 203-622-0003.
• Members of the public are encouraged to sign-up for the Town’s Emergency Alert Notification System at greenwichct.bbcportal.com/Entry
• Stay home and be counted – participate in Census 2020. Information can be found at www.my2020census.gov.
• Greenwich Hospital/Yale New Haven Health: call center for any questions about the virus, can be reached at 833-275-9644.
• For those residents experiencing challenges with food, finances, and living arrangements, please call the Department of Human Services at 203-622-3800.