Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: 251 Residents Test Positive

GREENWICH, CT — The number of Greenwich residents who have tested positive for the new coronavirus has risen to 251 as of Thursday, April 9, according to the Greenwich Health Department. That number is up from the 234 positive cases reported a day prior.

Additionally, Greenwich Hospital reports that, as of noon on Thursday, there were 117 patients who tested positive for the virus, also referred to as COVID-19, being treated in several different units of the facility. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

So far, 149 patients have been discharged from the hospital and continue their recuperation at home. To date, 2,781 people have been tested at the hospital's outpatient tent with 1,092 testing positive, town officials said.

"All of these numbers reflect patients who live in Greenwich as well as from other municipalities in Connecticut and Westchester County [N.Y.]," town officials said in a statement.

During Wednesday's press update, First Selectman Fred Camillo said the town will now require employees at grocery stores and establishments handling food to wear masks after receiving feedback from some residents about grocery store employees not wearing them.

"If you're out in public and see somebody that's not wearing a mask in any of those [types of] establishments, please let us know and we will contact them," Camillo said Wednesday.

Camillo said the requirement will go into effect "immediately" and anyone who does not adhere to it will be warned. Should they continue to disregard the requirement, there could be some type of punishment issued, Camillo said.

See also: Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: Store Employees Must Wear Masks

During Monday's press update, Camillo encouraged residents to continue taking necessary precautions.

"As the number of positive cases grows, it is imperative for everyone to continue social distancing, wear facial coverings when outdoors and continue all of the other safe practices including frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer," Camillo said in a statement. "This is especially important as Fairfield County continues to be the epicenter of new diagnoses every day."

Last week, Camillo advised residents to continue social distancing during the Easter and Passover holidays, a time when many families typically gather together to celebrate.

"I would continue doing what you're doing," Camillo said. "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."

While Town Hall continues to be mostly closed to the public, Camillo said town departments continue to operate smoothly even though most residents' needs must be met either online or over the phone, and he has not received any complaints.

"For the most part, I have not been contacted by anyone who has been having a hard time," Camillo said.

Over the weekend, a resident even reached out to him for help regarding getting married in town.

"I reached out to the town clerk, and that was all taken care of," Camillo said. "People are cognizant of the fact that there are not too many people on site [in the building]. Residents can access the website and do things over the phone and online...it seems to be working."

See also: Greenwich Businesses: Open Or Closed? Let Your Customers Know

• Joyful Family Welcomes Greenwich Hospital Newborn From Afar
• Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: More Warnings Issued At Parks
• Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: 3 Town Residents Die From Virus
• Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: List Of Events Canceled, Postponed
• Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: Schools Shorten Spring Break

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.