Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: 613 Residents Test Positive

GREENWICH, CT — The number of Greenwich residents who have tested positive for the new coronavirus has risen to 613 as of Friday, April 24, according to Greenwich Health Department Director Caroline Baisley. That number is five more than the 608 positive cases reported by town officials a day prior.

Town officials also noted 27 Greenwich residents have died from the virus, also referred to as COVID-19, as of Thursday, April 23, according to the state Department of Public Health.

"Any loss of life is truly regrettable and my heartfelt condolences go out to each of the families of our 27 residents who have died from this disease," First Selectman Fred Camillo said in a statement. "This loss of life illustrates just how vulnerable we all are and how important it is to continue with social distancing, wearing face masks, gloves and to frequently wash our hands. We cannot be too careful when it comes to trying to stem the spread of this virus."

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Additionally, Greenwich Hospital reports that, as of Friday, there were 84 patients who tested positive for the virus, also referred to as COVID-19, being treated in several different units of the facility, town officials said.

So far, 317 patients have been discharged from the hospital and continue their recuperation at home. To date, 4,273 people have been tested at the hospital, with 1,542 people testing positive, town officials said.

All of these numbers reflect both patients who live in Greenwich and patients from other areas in Connecticut, as well as Westchester County, N.Y., town officials said.

Update On Parks, "The Griff" Golf Course

On Thursday, Camillo announced a handful of town parks will partially re-open starting next week. Beginning Monday, April 27, Binney, Bruce and Byram parks will be open for the use of walking paths only.

According to Camillo, the fields, playgrounds, parking lots and restrooms at the parks will remain closed, as will the beach at Byram Park. Additionally, new signage detailing proper park use will be installed.

Beginning Monday, May 4, Cos Cob Park will also be open to walkers from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., however there will be park monitors on site to "allow for controlled access" and ensure walkers adhere to social distancing protocols, Camillo said. The playing field, playgrounds and restrooms will remain closed, but visitors will be able to park at the Cos Cob train station.

Starting April 30, there will also be limited access two days per week to town marinas for boat owners whose vessels are in winter storage, Camillo said. He also noted specific details on which days and the hours of access will be communicated via email to those boat owners.

"Most people I have spoken with, people who have emailed me or texted me, have been extremely supportive of the decisions to close town facilities," Camillo said in a statement Thursday. "That being said, we also want to be able to allow use of these larger parks in a very measured way, and in a way that will not contribute to the spread of the virus."

On Friday, Camillo announced there will be a "conditional reopening" of the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course on May 4. The course will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily, however tee time reservations will only be available online, as there will not be any walk-ups allowed.

The online reservation system will be available beginning April 30. Only credit/debit card payments will be accepted.

Golf cart rentals and the driving range will be available, however Camillo emphasized it is mandatory that anyone present at the golf course must wear a face mask at all times. Detailed operating regulations will be posted on the golf course website by Tuesday, Camillo said.

On Thursday, Camillo emphasized the importance of residents continuing to wear face masks and practice social distancing as walkers return to the parks and certain facilities being to partially reopen.

"I am truly appreciative of the public's cooperation so far and hope that residents can enjoy some of our great outdoors," Camillo said, "[however] I am ready to pull back on the use of the parks if social distancing and face mask protocols are not followed."

Camillo noted he and Parks and Recreation Director Joe Siciliano, along with Greenwich Police, continue to review potential operations at the Griffith E Harris Golf Course, as well as Greenwich Point Park.

Siciliano and his staff are also continuing to review the impact of the new coronavirus on special events, particularly those that draw large crowds, Camillo said. Decisions concerning the annual Memorial Day parade and the Fourth of July fireworks displays at Greenwich Point Park and Binney Parks are expected to be announced soon.

Camillo also emphasized the decision to partially reopen the parks did not come from any kind of outside pressure.

"When we closed things down, we didn't do it permanently," Camillo said. "So, we always had a plan to open it up...everything we're doing is going to be measured, and if we find out people are not following the protocols or the guidelines, then we will pull back."

He also assured that the partial reopenings are going to be handled in a very measured way.

"We want people to enjoy themselves, and we want them to be physically fit and get out there and get their exercise; that's really important," Camillo said, "but at the end of the day, it has to be done in a way that is not going to infect or re-infect people. We've worked too hard to get to this point to take a few steps backwards."

See also: Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: Some Parks To Partially Reopen

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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.