New Canaan Coronavirus Update: Walking Trails Reopen On Sunday

NEW CANAAN, CT — The town is reopening its walking trails on Sunday, April 26, in an effort to allow residents to enjoy being outside while still practicing safety protocols during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Emergency Management Director Mike Handler.

"We trust that residents will use common sense and maintain social distancing," Handler said in a statement. "If possible, we suggest that you wear a face covering. Again, this is just a suggestion and we leave it up to you to decide what is appropriate given your activity. Please know that all other aspects of our parks will remain closed until further notice—this includes the playgrounds, parks and fields."

On Saturday, the town will distribute face masks to residents during an event at Waveny Park. Senior citizens and at-risk residents are encouraged not to attend the distribution event, but call the town's Health Department for more information on having masks delivered (the phone number is 203-594-3037).

"As always, we encourage frequent handwashing, strict social distancing and avoiding all group gatherings," Handler added. "Thank you for continuing to play a vital role in the flattening of the curve and protecting our neighbors."

Statewide, the number of coronavirus hospitalizations dropped by 70 cases to 1,877 as of Friday, but the number of deaths rose by 125 to 1,764. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

Updated figures for New Canaan were not available, but in Fairfield County, the number of new positive cases climbed by more than 200 on Friday from 10,008 to 10,227.