Coronavirus Middletown: City Hall Closed To Public For 2 Weeks

MIDDLETOWN, CT — As part of the ongoing effort to help prevent the potential spread of the new coronavirus, Middletown City Hall will be closed to the public for the next two weeks, Mayor Ben Florsheim announced Friday. Florsheim also announced several steps the city is taking to “maintain continuity” of government, while following an overall policy of social distancing.

“We are taking these steps because public health professionals have determined that limiting interpersonal contact is the best method for widespread transmission, and we believe that city government must lead by example in this regard,” Florsheim wrote in a letter to the Middletown community.

Starting Monday, March 16, City Hall will be closed to the public until March 27. The city’s essential employees will be working both on-site and remotely to “ensure that city government continues to function,” according to Florsheim. (In an update March 27, officials said City Hall will remain closed to the public until further notice).

“Services that are essential to the health and wellbeing of our city and residents – like police, fire, trash collection, and essential maintenance – will continue with no interruption,” Florsheim said. “There will be a temporary halt of all non-essential, non-statutorily mandated inspections, permits and the like.

“We ask that residents utilize mail-in and online services for paying taxes, registering for summer programs, parking tickets and other payments. Updates to the city website are underway to reflect the current status.”

Services requiring in-person appearance, such as obtaining certain vital records, may be scheduled by appointment by contacting the Mayor’s Office at 860-638-4801.

Florsheim also announced that city commissions and committees, with the exception of education and Board of Assessment and Appeals, will be canceled until April 5. Middletown Public Schools also announced that schools will be closed until March 27.

Staff from the city’s health department will be on call this weekend from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday to answer questions and direct residents to the appropriate resources. The hotline number is 860-635-4965. (To sign up for Middletown breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“Given the inherent uncertainty of this situation, we recognize that residents may be experiencing anxiety and have questions,” Florsheim said. “I want you to know that the Mayor’s Office, while closed physically, will remain open for residents via phone and email. I will continue to provide updates on Facebook, Twitter and through the media.

“Lastly, a reminder: please continue to wash your hands frequently, avoid shaking hands, avoid large gatherings, and do not go to work if you are sick.”