New Canaan Coronavirus Update: 4th Death Reported; UPDATE

NEW CANAAN, CT — A fourth New Canaan resident has died of complications from the new coronavirus (COVID-19), and the number of confirmed cases in reached 42 as of Monday, according to Mike Handler, the town's director of Emergency Management.

"New Canaan currently has 42 confirmed positive cases; and sadly, another dear member of our community has passed bringing our total loss of life to 4," Handler said in a statement. "This is difficult for everyone, please know that we are here to support you in any way necessary."

Earlier on Monday First Selectman Kevin Moynihan signed an Emergency Order closing all town and school parks and athletic fields. The Emergency Order takes effect immediately and runs through April 30.

"Although New Canaan has had limited spread of the novel coronavirus with [42] residents having now tested positive, we need to do everything possible to try to reinforce the message to our residents that unnecessary social gathering must be discouraged and everyone must practice social distancing," Moynihan said in a statement. "Only by curtailing the community spread of the
virus will we protect our seniors and avoid overburdening our hospitals and first responders as this pandemic proceeds."

Added Handler, "We made this difficult decision after very careful consideration. We weighed the benefit of fresh air and exercise against the risk of increasing community spread. With our hospitals dealing with more and more cases, we know that the decision to close our parks will save lives."

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Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling took similar steps over the weekend, as that community reported more than 270 confirmed cases of COVID-19, becoming the city with the most cases in Connecticut. As of Sunday, the number of deaths in Norwalk related to the virus reached five.

Among the 42 positive cases in New Canaan is a 17-year-old, who may have contracted the virus while at boarding school, writes the New Canaan Advertiser.

"Many have asked me what happens next? What are we waiting for? The straightforward answer is that we are waiting and, more importantly, hoping for nothing to happen," Handler said on Sunday. "All of our efforts are geared towards the absence of bad news. The longer we can go without all getting sick and needing critical care in a hospital at the same time, the better the chances are of both having available hospital resources and effective anti-viral treatments. I know that it is difficult to sit and wait, but in this instance, it will save lives. We are working closely with our area hospitals to ensure that they have the support and resources that they will need. We thank you all for the important role you are playing in our efforts. Please continue effective handwashing and avoid all social gathering."