Greenwich Coronavirus Updates: Nearly 500 Residents Test Positive

GREENWICH, CT — The number of Greenwich residents who have tested positive for the new coronavirus has risen to 499 as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, according to the Greenwich Health Department. That number represents an increase of more than 100 residents from the 394 positive cases reported Tuesday, which was previously the largest daily increase of confirmed cases in Greenwich thus far.

According to Health Director Caroline Baisley, this increase in 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. Many of these newly reported cases involve patients who were tested two to three weeks ago, Baisley said.

The town obtains its daily census information from the state health department. (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. "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 Wednesday, 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, town officials said.

So far, 223 patients have been discharged from the hospital and continue their recuperation at home. To date, 3,330 people had been tested at the hospital to date, with 1,292 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: 70 More 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.