Coronavirus Hamden: What’s Open, What’s Closed

HAMDEN, CT — In an effort to “exercise precaution” and implement additional preventative measures, Hamden closed all non-essential buildings and departments at 2 p.m. Thursday and they will remain closed on Friday, March 13 in order to minimize both residents’ and staff exposure to the new coronavirus, officials announced.

“Taking proactive steps to slow the spread of the virus and minimize exposure in every way possible is both our duty and our responsibility,” Mayor Curt Balzano Leng wrote in a post on Facebook. “During this time, we will work diligently to physically sanitize facilities, prepare and distribute technology needs for remote work and finalize plans for what will be a reduced, but still service oriented, Hamden government operations.”

All offices, with the exception of the following exclusions, are closed to the public until the town activates its plan for a “reduced physical presence government operations that facilitates all public safety services, essential government functions and important protective services for residents in need,” according to Leng. Read more from Leng below:

The Tax Office will be open Friday, March 13 until 12 noon. Residents are encouraged to resolve any outstanding tax issues or payments prior to the weekend if they would like to make payments in person. Online tax payments can also be made at www.Hamden.com.

The Senior Center, Miller Library, and branch library buildings will remain closed until further notice. Elderly Services operations will continue, with senior meals being delivered to residences for those who may need food, to make outreach calls, and to provide information to residents calling in to the Office. (To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

After school programming at the Keefe Community Center will mirror any operational decisions determined by the Hamden Board of Education.

Additionally, all recreation programming in Hamden is postponed effective immediately. This includes the suspension of league sporting activities and practices, and the cancellation of any group public recreational activities.

Parks will remain open at this time, but all playgrounds are closed.

Hamden’s Emergency Management Team remains activated and in constant contact with the State & Local Health Department and State Department of Emergency Management and more. In addition, an expanded team is consulting with the Town’s labor attorneys and personnel staff to finalize operational plans for the duration of this public health emergency.

Expect and trust that Hamden will continue to operate, but in an amended capacity, until further notice. (Again, all Public Safety Services and 1st Responder Services are fully operational!)