Greenwich First Selectman Provides Update On Coronavirus

GREENWICH, CT — In response to the spread of the new Coronavirus, Greenwich is installing additional informational signage and hand-sanitizing stations in public buildings, according to First Selectman Fred Camillo. In a statement issued late Friday, Camillo said residents and visitors to public buildings in town are still urged to heed protocols issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to reduce the spread of the virus, now referred to as COVID-19.

Over the weekend, the first Connecticut resident to test positive for the virus was reported in Wilton. Currently, there are no known confirmed cases of the virus in Greenwich.

On Monday morning, Gov. Ned Lamont stopped out-of-state travel by state government employees for the time being. (Don't miss updates in Connecticut concerning the Coronavirus as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.)

In addition to installing hand-sanitizing stations, the Greenwich Town Hall building was sprayed with disinfectant on Saturday, a practice that has been conducted daily at the Greenwich Senior Center since March 2 and will continue in the building until further notice, Camillo said.

The first selectman noted this disinfecting practice for all building common areas, including bathrooms, elevators, hallway doors and conference rooms, is one the town performs every year during flu season.

"Given the public interest and concern over the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the town is publicizing what is has been protocol every flu season," Camillo said in a statement.

Last week, 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.

The first selectman also provided a list of protocols town officials urge residents to follow in response to the spread of the virus, including avoiding handshaking and touching things like light switches and elevator buttons.

Residents are also advised to wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60 percent alcohol-based hand sanitizer upon returning home from any activity that involves locations where other people have been.

More protocols recommended by town officials can be found here.

Residents can also find up-to-date information about the virus on both the town health department and the CDC websites.