Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: 682 Residents Test Positive

GREENWICH, CT — The number of Greenwich residents who have tested positive for the new coronavirus has risen to 682 as of Friday, May 1, according to Greenwich Health Department Director Caroline Baisley. That number is six more than the 676 positive cases reported by town officials a day prior.

Town officials also noted 37 Greenwich residents have died from the virus, also referred to as COVID-19, as of Thursday, April 30, according to the state Department of Public Health.

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Additionally, Greenwich Hospital reports that, as of Friday, there were 71 patients who tested positive for the virus being treated in several different units of the facility, town officials said.

So far, 373 patients have been discharged from the hospital and continue their recuperation at home. To date, 4,914 people have been tested at the hospital, with 1,672 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.

Limited Reopening of Parks, Marinas

After much discussion, coordination and collaboration between the Office of the First Selectman, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Police Department and the Department of Public Works, town officials announced Friday limited reopenings of various parks, as well as the town's four marinas, will begin next week.

On Monday, May 4, Cos Cob Park will be open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with monitors limiting access to ensure social distancing. Parking will be available at the Cos Cob train station, officials said. There will be limited handicapped accessible parking available in the park parking lot.

The playgrounds, playing field, pavilion, benches and restrooms remain closed, officials said.

Beginning Thursday, May 7, Greenwich Point will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walkers, runners and cyclists. Capacity will be limited to 500 visitors, who will be encouraged to stay no more than two hours so the park can be shared with other residents, officials said.

The beach will remain closed, as well as the picnic tables, grills and restrooms. Further use protocols, maps and signage will be finalized and posted by noon on Monday. Both Greenwich Police and Parks and Recreation staff will be present to enforce all protocols.

Byram Park will be open daily with limited access beginning Thursday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a maximum capacity of 150 cars allowed into the park, officials said. The beach, pool and playground remain closed to the public.

In order to access Greenwich Point and Byram Park, visitors must have a 2019 or a 2020 Greenwich park pass or a state-issued ID or driver’s license that show a Greenwich address. The last entry to all parks and marinas will be an hour before the posted closing time.

Residents will also be able to access the town's four marinas (Byram, Cos Cob, Grass Island, Old Greenwich) to work on boats in storage and launch them beginning Thursday, May 7. Daily hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., however restroom facilities will not be available at the marinas, officials said.

As previously announced, the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, May 4. The operational and playing protocol changes include one person per cart, tee times are by reservation only which can be made online, and the putting green, practice bunker and chipping green remain closed.

The complete list of operational and playing protocols can be found here.

With these restricted openings of parks, marinas and the golf course, users must wear masks at all times, refrain from congregating including picnicking or playing of sports, according to First Selectman Fred Camillo. If social distancing protocols are not followed, access to those facilities will be reduced or closed, Camillo said.

For previous updates regarding the partial reopening of town parks and "The Griff" golf course, click here.

Town officials also noted earlier this week there are people who are taking advantage of the current health situation by organizing scams.

These include ranging unsolicited emails and texts with links to websites that law enforcement have identified as fraudulent and offering products that claim to prevent, treat, diagnose or cure COVID-19. Others offer goods, services, loans or debt relief.

For guidance on how to protect yourself and your family from becoming a scam victim, please visit this Greenwich Police website.

See also: Greenwich Town Party Cancelled Due To Coronavirus

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• Greenwich Police Warn Residents To Look Out For Coronavirus Scams
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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.