Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: 539 Residents Test Positive

GREENWICH, CT — The number of Greenwich residents who have tested positive for the new coronavirus has risen to 539 as of Thursday, April 16, according to the Greenwich Health Department. That number is up from the 499 positive cases reported Wednesday by town officials.

This week saw large increases in the number of residents testing positive for the virus, also referred to as COVID-19. On Tuesday, town officials reported 394 positive cases, which was the largest daily increase of confirmed cases in town at the time. That increase was eclipsed the following day when the total rose to 499.

According to Greenwich Health Director Caroline Baisley, the continued increase in the number of Greenwich patients is attributable to a lag in test results being tabulated and input in to the Connecticut Department of Public Health's computer systems, as many of these newly reported cases involve patients who were tested "two to three weeks ago."

In light of these high increases, Camillo advised residents to continue taking necessary precautions. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for free Patch alerts and daily newsletters from all across Connecticut.)

"The alarming issue here is that many of these people may have been asymptomatic and continued their daily business interacting with family, going outdoors or to the supermarket, unknowingly exposing countless others," First Selectman Fred Camillo said in a statement Wednesday. "I cannot continue to emphasize enough just how important it is to wear facial coverings whenever outside of your home."

Additionally, Greenwich Hospital reports that, as of Thursday, April 16, there were 115 patients who tested positive for the virus being treated in several different units of the facility, town officials said.

So far, 232 patients have been discharged from the hospital and continue their recuperation at home. To date, 3,487 people had been tested at the hospital to date, with 1,328 people 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.

Town Hall

Camillo also announced Wednesday that Town Hall will remain closed to all employees through May 20, in accordance with other closure dates issued by Gov. Ned Lamont. Town Hall was originally ordered closed through April 22, officials said.

All employees are expected to continue to work from home and to be available by phone and email during business hours.

"The town will continue to provide limited services where possible," town officials said in a statement. "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 residents are asked to allow additional time for responses during this period of time.

"Given the unprecedented fluidity of this situation, expectations and operations may change at any time," officials said.

During a recent press update, 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.

Masks

Last week, 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.

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

"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 last week.

Camillo said the requirement went 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: Nearly 500 Residents Test Positive

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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.