Coronavirus New Canaan: Bad Weather Causes Testing Delays

NEW CANAAN, CT — Monday's inclement weather temporarily stopped New Canaan's drive-thru coronavirus (COVID-19) testing efforts, but the town plans to start up again on March 26, according to the town's Emergency Management Director Mike Handler.

Several testing appointments had to be rescheduled, Handler said, which has created a backlog that the town hopes to clear out on Thursday.

As of Monday, New Canaan had nine confirmed COVID-19 cases, and three deaths from complications from the virus, according to state and town officials.

(To sign up for New Canaan breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Statewide, there are more than 400 confirmed cases, and 10 deaths More than 50 people currently are hospitalized with COVID-19 in Connecticut.

"A major focus of ours has been outreach to our seniors and vulnerable populations," Handler said in a statement on the town's website. "Town, private businesses, not-for-profits, and faith-based organizations are all working together to ensure that assistance to those most in need gets delivered. Today we began our grocery shopping for seniors initiative. By matching up volunteers with seniors, we are able to keep those who need to stay home from going to the grocery store. It is truly a testament to our community that these initiatives can be implemented. Thank you to all who are supporting these efforts."

Below is Handler's March 23 statement:

Good Evening,

It is 7:00 pm on March 23rd and this is Emergency Management Director Mike Handler with an
update on the novel coronavirus. A major focus of ours has been outreach to our seniors and
vulnerable populations. Town, private businesses, not-for-profits, and faith-based organizations are all working together to ensure that assistance to those most in need gets delivered. Today we began our grocery shopping for seniors initiative. By matching up volunteers with seniors, we are able to keep those who need to stay home from going to the grocery store. It is truly a testament to our community that these initiatives can be implemented. Thank you to all who are supporting these efforts.

Today’s drive-thru testing was met with new challenges. Just as we overcame equipment and staffing shortages, we learned that hazardous weather could stop us in our tracks. We will
regroup, make some adjustments and restart our New Canaan drive-thru testing site on Thursday, March 26th at 9:30 am. It is our hope that we can get through the entire backlog of
testing on Thursday. If not, we will continue on Friday. Appointments and required prescriptions can be obtained by filling out the three forms at www.coronatestct.com. Additionally, testing is available by appointment only at both Norwalk, Stamford and Greenwich Hospitals. To obtain an appointment at either of these sites, you will need a prescription from your personal physician.

Thank you,

Mike Handler