Monroe Officials Give Update On Coronavirus

MONROE, CT — Monroe town and school officials are urging people not to panic about the new coronavirus, but to take simple steps to keep disease transmission low.

There have been no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Connecticut. There are a total of 60 confirmed cases across the U.S. across 12 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There have been nine U.S. deaths so far, all in the Seattle area, according to the New York Times.

The Monroe Health Department and town Emergency Management Team are in regular communication with state and federal health authorities.

“As always, we want to remind everyone to practice everyday, preventive actions. Simple steps like regular hand washing, covering your cough or sneeze, and staying home when sick will help to limit the spread of disease,” said First Selectman Kenneth Kellogg in an open letter to the community about the virus.

Monroe Public Schools is also working closely with the town emergency team, said Acting Superintendent Joseph Kobza.

“We are directing students, staff, and families to the town website for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19,” he said in an email to Patch. “We do not have any planned foreign or domestic travel right now. As for attendance policies, we will deal with individuals on a case by case basis.”