Greenwich First Selectman Issues New Statement On Coronavirus

GREENWICH, CT — First Selectman Fred Camillo is urging Greenwich residents to follow the Centers for Disease Control's "established protocols" to help stem the spread of coronavirus. In a statement released Wednesday, Camillo said he has established a group consisting of the heads of many town department, including the Board of Education, who are working on a plan to help the keep town programs functional should they be interrupted by the virus.

As of this week, there have been no reports of any cases regarding the virus, now referred to as COVID-19, in Greenwich or in the state of Connecticut.

"The CDC is advising all travelers who recently returned from China, South Korea, Italy and Iran, to self-quarantine for 14 days, upon their return from travel," Camillo said in a statement. "While there have not been any coronavirus cases reported in Connecticut, there have been at least six reported in nearby New Rochelle, N.Y."

Greenwich Health Director Caroline Baisley said her staff continues to update the town Health Department's website with links to specific topics related to the virus, including links to the CDC and the state Department of Health websites.

Both sites are continuing to publish real time information and guidance for communities, health care facilities and schools, Camillo said.

"This situation is evolving so quickly that the CDC is the only agency that is keeping up with what is going on," Camillo said.

See also: Greenwich First Selectman Provides Update On Coronavirus

In terms of planning, the Department of Health is modifying the town's "influenza pandemic" plan for the COVID–19 virus. The department is also working with state and federal health agencies on planning strategies "for implementation should the virus need to be slowed down once it arrives," Camillo said.

Baisley also is working with Greenwich Hospital on their planning efforts to ensure there will be "a unified response to maximize care for all those who may need it," Camillo said.

Last week, Gov. Ned Lamont said that the state is ready for the virus, but also admitted that there was a shortage of personal protective gear (masks). Nevertheless, Lamont said that residents do not need to panic.

See also: Official Warns CT Not Ready For Coronavirus, Governor Disagrees

"I feel like Connecticut is a little ahead of the game," Lamont said.

Camillo also provided a list of protocols town officials urge residents to follow:

• NO handshaking - Use a fist pump or an elbow bump.
• Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches, elevator buttons, etc.
• Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.
• Open doors with your closed fist or hip. Do NOT grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door, especially on bathroom and commercial doors.
• Use disinfectant wipes at stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery stores.
• Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.
• If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use the crook of your elbow only if you have to.
• Remember that a virus can remain on clothing for as long as one week.
• The virus is spread in large droplets by coughing and sneezing. This means that the air will not infect you; however, all surfaces where these droplets land are infectious for about one week.
• The virus only has receptors for lung cells meaning it only infects the lungs.
• The only way the virus can infect you is through your nose and mouth. Generally, this means that people introduce the virus into their airways themselves.
• The point of the masks is to prevent people not to touch their faces. However, the standard masks do not prevent the inhalation of sub-microscopic viral particles.
• It is generally advised to stay away from large gatherings.
• It is generally advised to wear latex gloves while riding public transportation.
• You should be washing your hands 8-10 times daily, on average, and every time you return home and before you eat.